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Worship Guide for May 5

May 02, 2024


Prepare for Sunday morning worship by using the guide below.

Mark 2:1-12

And when he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them. And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, “Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you question these things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your bed and walk’? 10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic— 11 “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.” 12 And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”

Watch the Sermon

livestreamupdatedSummary: As we continue our study through the miracles of Jesus from the gospel of Mark we come now to the healing of the paralytic. We have seen that the miracles are done for a purpose - to show that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. He has done what God alone could do. He has cast out an unclean spirit, healed many people (including Simon's mother in law), and cleansed a man of leprosy. In each case we have seen that his miracles operate like signs pointing us to our greatest need. While the people who were healed received improved quality of life, their greatest need was not healing, but to be restored to a righteous relationship with God. Their greatest need was the forgiveness of their sins.

In the healing of the paralytic this could not be clearer. The miracle begins with Jesus forgiving the paralytic's sins and ends with Jesus telling him to get up and walk. The emphasis is obvious: sin is more deadly than paralysis. After he forgives the man's sin, the scribes accuse him of blasphemy. In response to their doubts, Jesus heals the paralytic, making clear that they are in the presence of God.

Review & Apply

Last week ended with Jesus in desolate places because of the crowds. Chapter 2 opens with him back at home in Capernaum. Why do you think Jesus went back to where people would find him?

When the paralytic and his friends find no way to get to Jesus, what do they do to get in front of him? How does Jesus respond?

What do the words of Jesus in verse 5 teach us about his love?

What part of the scribe's response is true? What is false?

Why does Jesus say he will heal the paralysis?

What is the significance of Jesus claiming to be the "Son of Man"?

Spend a few minutes praying that when you consider Jesus you would respond as the crowd did - amazed and glorifying God.

Give

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