
After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 15 “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” —Mark 1:14-15
- Jesus has authority over evil spirits.
- Jesus has authority over sickness.
- Jesus has authority to redeem the hopeless.
Sometimes, our greatest need gets overlooked because of the urgency of all the other needs in our lives.
Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. 4 Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. —Mark 2:3-4
Our biggest need is…
When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”
6 Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, 7 “Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” —Mark 2:5-7
Jesus is the One who has authority to forgive our sins.
Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, “Why are you thinking these things? 9 Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? 10 But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the man, 11 “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” 12 He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!” —Mark 2:8-12
If we’re going to bring people near to Jesus, we have to be willing to…
Bear some burdens. (Mark 2:3)
Take some risks. (Mark 2:4)
Push past some barriers. (Mark 2:4)
- Sometimes you have to dig through some stuff to bring someone to Jesus.
Discipleship Guide
Let’s Talk About It
The Gospel according to Mark begins with the powerful announcement that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. He is the only One who has the authority and power to give us what we need most—the forgiveness of sins. Because Jesus continually demonstrated His love and compassion for lost people, we’re called to do the same. For us to do this, we must be willing to bear some burdens, take some risks, and push through some barriers to bring others closer to Jesus.
Mark 1:14-15, 2:1-12; Isaiah 59:2; Romans 3:23; Ephesians 2:1
Discussion questions:
- Which part of the message impacted or challenged you?
- What’s something you often feel is your biggest need—and how does that compare with what Jesus says is your deepest need in this passage? Why do you think we tend to overlook our need for forgiveness?
- Read Mark 2:1-12. This passage shows that Jesus has the authority to forgive sins. What does that truth change about how you see Him—and how you see yourself? How would you explain this to someone far from God?
- Four friends demonstrated urgency to bring someone in need to Jesus. Ask God to ignite a fresh love for lost people in your heart. What’s one way this week you can bear a burden, take a risk, or push past a barrier to bring someone closer to Jesus? What are some ways you can be more intentional about building relationships with people who are far from God?
- Is the workplace off-limits? How could your faith play a bigger part in your work relationships? How about your family members? How might showing a simple act of kindness break the ice and open the way for conversation?
Take a Step
- What’s one step you can take this week to either bring someone closer to Jesus? How can you build your relationship with them or help carry some burdens?
Here’s My Prayer
Lord, thank you for dying on a cross for a sinner like me. Help me to see forgiveness as my greatest need so that I grow in my love and appreciation for You. I repent for the times I’ve been too busy or indifferent to the needs around me. Increase my love and compassion for those who don’t yet know You. Strengthen me to bear others’ burdens, take risks, and push through some barriers—so they might come to know You because You’re worthy of it. In Jesus’ name, amen.