Mark 2:1-12
Message Date:
June 27, 2021
1 A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. 2 They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. 3 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. 5 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?”
8 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!”
Read Mark 2:1-5
Jesus commends the faith of the four men who brought their paralyzed friend to Jesus. What do you see in their behavior that demonstrates their faith? What do you think people who know you see in your behavior that demonstrates your faith?
If you were one of the four men (or for that matter, if you were the one paralyzed), how would you have responded at the point that Jesus spoke the words, “Your sins are forgiven.”
Read Mark 2: 6-9
Jesus declares that the paralytic man’s sins are forgiven. Why is that declaration theologically problematic for the teachers of the law who were there?
Don’t miss the irony in verses 8-9. In their own minds, teachers were accusing him of blasphemy, of claiming to be God when he wasn’t. He responds by demonstrating that because He actually is God, He already knows exactly what they are thinking.
What is the answer to the question Jesus asks the teacher of the law in verse 9? Why?
Read Mark 2: 10-12
In verse 10 Jesus explains exactly why he is going to perform this miracle. What is his purpose? How does performing this miracle accomplish that purpose?
How convinced are you that Jesus Christ is God in human flesh? If you are convinced, what has convinced you? If you are not, describe your doubts.
The actual healing is almost an afterthought. Tell us about a time you depended on God for something, and he came through for you.
Where in your life do you need God to come through for you today?