Matthew 8; Mark 2–4; Luke 7

February 27, 2023 to March 5, 2023

This week’s lesson shows Jesus healing both physical and spiritual infirmity. Looking in depth at the report of the man lowered through the roof of a house and being both healed and forgiven shows how people learned who Jesus was, sometimes in spite of their expectations.

 

Jesus Heals a Lame Man (Mark 2:1-12). excerpted from The Gospel according to Mark, BYU New Testament Commentary 

The point of this story is that Jesus has authority to forgive sins. 

“Mark 2:23-28: Jesus Teaches about the Sabbath,”  excerpted from The Gospel according to Mark, BYU New Testament Commentary 

A textual variant in the manuscripts allows different readings: that the disciples were making a road or path by plucking grain, or they were plucking grain in order to eat it, or both. These verses resonate with a story of David in 1 Samuel 21:2-6. 

“Healing Women,” Eric D. Huntsman, BYU New Testament Commentary 

The attention that Jesus paid to women was noteworthy. Jesus heals on the Sabbath, which was appropriate. 

“Calming the Stormy Sea,” Eric D. Huntsman, BYU New Testament Commentary

Matthew 8:23–27 is evidence of Jesus’ greatness and connects with the Old Testament YHWH. 

“He Took Our Infirmities, and Bare Our Sickness,” Eric D. Huntsman, BYU New Testament Commentary

Jesus’ miracles show what manner of man he is. 

“Cleansing Leprosy: Mark 1, Matthew 8, Luke 5,” Eric D. Huntsman, BYU New Testament Commentary

Our faith in Christ not only makes us clean, it saves our souls. 

“Is There a Mistake in Mark 2:26?” Julie M. Smith, excerpted from The Gospel according to Mark, BYU New Testament Commentary 

A minor textual question surrounds the phrase “in the days of Abiathar.” Read about possible understandings of this issue.  

Exploring Mark 2:17, Julie M. Smith, excerpted from The Gospel according to Mark, BYU New Testament Commentary 

This verse is Jesus’ subtle commentary about sin, punishment, and potential.