Psalms: 40, 52 

Meditation

Mark: Consider a couple of things: 1) the faith of those who carried/accompanied this unfortunate man, and 2) how ugly legalism looks up close or even in the heart. “When Jesus saw their faith…” (v.5) I see nothing here referring to the faith status of the paralytic but of those who brought him. This may be likened to people praying for another’s concerns or ailments. Now the ugly part. Jesus forgave the sins of the paralytic which ignited the ire of the scribes. This happens early in Jesus’ ministry; he certainly knows how to launch controversy.

Gospel: 

Mark 2:1-12

New Testament:

Acts 22:30—23:11

Old Testament:

Joshua 6:15-27