Note: we have so far concentrated on the structure of pericopes in the Gospels. However, higher level structures seem increasingly convincing. here is one adapted from a publication in 1973 (J Dewey, The Literacy Structure of the Controversy Stories in Mark 2:1-3:6, JBL, 1973, 394-401). The sections outlined in italics follow the structures from this website. A and B focus on sins and forgiveness, B’ and A’ focus on the sabbath. The middle section  draws attention to the newness of the teaching of Christ which cannot be contained within the strictures of the traditions of the Pharisees. 

A. 2:1-12 Miracle of healing and forgiveness of sins of the paralytic

B. 2:13-17 (13-20)  Eating with tax collectors and sinners but Pharisees fast

C. 2:18-22 (21-22) Question about the difference between the disciples of Jesus and those of John and the Pharisees on the practice of fasting.

21 No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment. If he does, the patch tears away from it, the new from the old,  and a worse tear is made. 22 And no man putteth new wine into old bottles: else the new wine doth burst the bottles, and the wine is spilled, and the bottles will be marred: but new wine must be put into new bottles.

B’. 2:23-28 “Unlawful” eating grains of corn on the Sabbath

A’. 3: 1-6 Miracle of healing the man with withered hand in the synagogue on the Sabbath.