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After a few days, Jesus went back to Capernaum, and people heard that he was at home.
So many gathered that there was no longer space, not even near the door. Jesus was speaking the word to them. 
Mark 2:1-2 CEB
Apparently Capernaum had an estimated population on 1,000-1,500 people, so a large crowd represented a significant proportion of that town's population. 
The whole place knew Jesus was back.
His first disciples would've been known there, not as scholars or students of the Torah, but as fishermen, and now they were back as disciples of this Rabbi who last time he was in Capernaum was healing people miraculously.
And now he is back.
What would it have been like to be in the middle of this crowd on that day?
People sharing tories about Jesus, some of which would've been true, exaggerations, doubters,  wonderers, & those desperate for help.
And they were listening.
Because at the heart of all of this is words.
Jesus words.
Words that can shape and change...us.
I wonder what he was sharing about on that day to that crowd?
Life giving, hope filled, truth.
Words to people who are Beloved.
V5 Words of forgiveness.
V14 Words of invitation.
Maybe those are words for us today, where we have missed the mark, Jesus sees you anyway, sees your heart, and invites a step towards forgiveness.
Acceptance.
Love.
Follow me. 
Take the next step...
#gospelofMark

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