How Are You Responding to Jesus?
Matthew 9:1-8
Part of Anything is Possible
March 23, 2025

SERIES ART - Anything is Possible.png

3 Responses to Jesus

1. When we respond to Jesus in belief, God acts

Reveal Answer
on our behalf.

Matthew 9:1-2
Jesus stepped into a boat, crossed over and came to his own town. 2 Some men brought to him a paralyzed man, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.”


2. When we respond to Jesus in unbelief, we miss out on the
Reveal Answer
that only Jesus can give.

Matthew 9:3-4
At this, some of the teachers of the law said to themselves, “This fellow is blaspheming!”
4 Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, “Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts?


3. When Jesus shows up and does what only He can do, our proper response is to
Reveal Answer
God with all that we have.
Matthew 9:5-8
Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? 6 But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the paralyzed man, “Get up, take your mat and go home.” 7 Then the man got up and went home. 8 When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe; and they praised God, who had given such authority to man.

Discussion Questions
Read Matthew 9:1-8

  1. What encouraged you, challenged you, or stood out to you the most in this week’s message?

  2. How do you typically respond to challenges or difficult circumstances in your life? Do you find it easy or difficult to trust that “anything is possible” with God?

  3. The paralyzed man and his friends believed Jesus could heal him. How does this response demonstrate faith in action? In what ways can we support one another in bringing our needs to Jesus?

  4. The religious leaders responded to Jesus with skepticism and hard-heartedness. Looking back on your past, can you identify any times when pride or doubt prevented you from experiencing the fullness of God’s grace? What can you learn from this?

  5. Jesus prioritized forgiveness before physical healing. What does this reveal about God’s greatest desire for us? How does knowing you are forgiven impact the way you live?

  6. The crowd responded to Jesus’ miracle with awe and worship. What ideas do you have for how we can grow in gratitude for God as individuals and as a community?