Why Did Jesus Call the Paralyzed Man 'Son' in Mark 2:5?
Every follower of God is considered a child of God if he has faith in God. This interaction between Jesus and the paralyzed man in Mark 2:5 underscores this divine relationship. Jesus’ act of calling the paralyzed man 'son' reemphasizes the point of the father-son relationship that God seeks with each of us. This article dives into the significance and underlying reasons for this particular interaction.
Expression of Love and Concern
It appears that Jesus might have addressed the paralytic as son for two pronged reasons that can be conflated to serve the singular purpose of an expression of his love and concern for him. Jesus was not just a divine figure; he was a compassionate human being who understood the pain and suffering of his fellow humans. By addressing the paralytic as 'son,' Jesus was not only showing his love but also validating the man's worth and worthiness of love and care.
Adulthood and Age Diversity
It's worth noting that while the paralytic is addressed as son or child in the accounts of Mark 2:5, in the account of Luke, he is simply called a 'man' in Luke 5:20. This difference in nomenclature suggests that the man must have been a young adult, perhaps just a teenager. This variety in description reflects the diverse audience and context in which Jesus' teachings were shared over time.
Covenant and Filial Relationship
In the Old Testament, the Jews considered themselves a united extended family, with pride in being descendants of Abraham. God established a special covenant with Abraham and his descendants, viewing the entire nation of Israel as his son, as expressed in Genesis 22:15-18. This national sense of filial relationship extended to the entire Jewish nation under the leadership of Moses, as seen in Exodus 4:22 and Deuteronomy 14:12. The covenant relationship with God mirrored a father-son relationship, with God providing for, protecting, and correcting them just as a father would his son (Deuteronomy 8:5-9).
God’s communication with the Israelites often described them in a familial context. For instance, God refers to himself as their husbandly owner, placing the nation in a wifely relationship to Him. This extended family analogy is further illustrated in passages like Isaiah 49:14-15, where God compares His relationship with the Israelites to that of a father with his child. This unique sense of filial relationship was also echoed in other prophets, such as Jeremiah 3:14 and Isaiah 63:8.
Unity in Faith and Character
The term 'son' in the scriptures is broader than just designation of a father and son relationship. It can extend to grandson or great-grandson, as seen in 2 Chronicles 35:14 and Matthew 12:23. In the context of Jesus being called the 'son of David,' he encompasses a lineage of prophets, teachers, and spiritual leaders. Similarly, 'son' can describe those who share certain characteristics or follow a specific course of conduct, as in the context of spiritual seekers and disciples of Jesus.
Just as God referred to Israel as His son, Jesus often used this title to describe those who faithfully followed His teachings. The term 'child of God' is used to describe believers as they are united in their faith and characteristics that reflect God's qualities. This presents a powerful visual of a community of individuals bonded by their shared faith and adherence to God's will.
The incident in Matthew 15:21-26 further illustrates the special relationship between Jesus and the Jewish people. This passage highlights the heightened status of the family of Jews as compared to gentiles, rooted in their unique covenant relationship with God. While the initial response might seem harsh, it is a test of faith and an opportunity to demonstrate the correct understanding of this special relationship. Jesus' words ultimately serve to include rather than exclude, emphasizing the importance of faith and respect in this divine bond.
By calling the paralyzed man 'son,' Jesus acknowledges the deeper spiritual connection and the transformative power of faith. This interaction is not just a title but a profound act of recognition and love, reinforcing the idea that each human being, regardless of their physical or social condition, is a child of God and worthy of His grace and compassion.