Reformed Forum Mark 2:1–12 — Healing from Sin
Jan 21, 2026
Jim Cassidy, pastor of South Austin Presbyterian Church and careful exegete, walks through Mark 2:1–12. He traces the crowded roof rescue, Jesus’ notice of faith, and the clash with the Pharisees. The conversation highlights how healing points to forgiveness, Christ’s authority, and the contrast between living faith and hardened unbelief.
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Word Points To Messianic Kingdom
- Mark Winder argues Mark's “word” likely points to the kingdom and Jesus as Daniel's Son of Man who frees people from sin and suffering.
- The Gospels arrange events thematically, so Mark pairs signs and teaching to show Jesus’ messianic identity.
Faith, Not Effort, Secures Forgiveness
- Jim Cassidy highlights that Jesus sees and responds to the faith of the paralytic and his friends, not their effort to get close.
- Their actions demonstrate faith but do not merit forgiveness; faith is the instrument of justification.
Southern Tent Preacher Image
- Jim Cassidy tells a southern cultural vignette about tent healing preachers and snake oil salesmen to illustrate popular reasons people attended healings.
- He uses the example to show crowds might seek free medical care rather than spiritual renewal.