1. Authority to forgive sins (2:1-12)

The relation between disease and sin is unclear in this passage, but Jesus shows how the Good News (1) opposes evil and its evidences in any form and (2) embraces salvation for the whole person. In doing so, he assumes for himself divine prerogatives, thus raising again the question of his identity. Son of Man, an important title for Jesus in Mark, is ambiguous; it could be understood merely as a substitute for “I” or as a title of divinity (Marshall, 63-82). In choosing this self-designation, Jesus refused to reveal his identity clearly.