Bible ReadingLuke 5:17–26 One day, while he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with him to heal. And behold, some men were bringing on a bed a man who was paralyzed, and they were seeking to bring him in and lay him before Jesus, but finding no way to bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the midst before Jesus. And when he saw their faith, he said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” And the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, saying, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” When Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answered them, “Why do you question in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the man who was paralyzed—“I say to you, rise, pick up your bed and go home.” And immediately he rose up before them and picked up what he had been lying on and went home, glorifying God. And amazement seized them all, and they glorified God and were filled with awe, saying, “We have seen extraordinary things today.”
[37:24]Hebrews 11:35–40 Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated—of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.
[58:55]Matthew 9:1–8 And getting into a boat he crossed over and came to his own city. And behold, some people brought to him a paralytic, lying on a bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.” And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he then said to the paralytic—“Rise, pick up your bed and go home.” And he rose and went home. When the crowds saw it, they were afraid, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to men.
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’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic—“I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.” 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!”
Observation questions- What obstacles kept the paralyzed man and those carrying him from getting through the door to Jesus, and what did they do instead? [49:31]
- When Jesus saw the man in front of him, what did he say first, and how did the religious leaders respond?
- What does Jesus use to show that he has authority to forgive sins, and what does the man do immediately after being healed? [01:01:44]
- In Hebrews 11:35–40, what kinds of suffering did faithful people endure, and what does the passage still say about their faith?
Interpretation questions- Jesus saw “their faith,” which may include both the man and the people carrying him. What does their effort to bring him through the roof show about faith that acts when ordinary paths are blocked? [46:28]
- Why might Jesus choose to forgive the man’s sins before healing his body? What does this reveal about the deeper need Jesus came to meet? [54:58]
- The religious leaders focused on whether Jesus had the right to forgive sins while a hurting man was placed before them. How can concern for rules, appearances, or proper process sometimes cause a believer to miss mercy in front of them? [52:23]
- Hebrews 11 honors people who suffered and did not receive every earthly outcome they may have hoped for. How does this correct the idea that strong faith always leads to comfort, safety, or quick results? [57:09]
Application questions- Has faith in God become familiar, routine, or discouraged in any area of life? What is one specific place where fresh trust in God is needed again? [44:27]
- The friends refused to stop at, “We gave it our best go.” Is there a person carrying pain, isolation, fear, or practical need whom you may be tempted to give up on too quickly? What could it look like to help bring that person closer to Jesus this week? [51:14]
- Desperation can reveal the places where personal strength, planning, money, or control are not enough. Where are you presently aware that you cannot produce the result you need? How might you honestly place that need before Jesus? [47:05]
- Faith does not mean being reckless, but obedience can be uncomfortable and may not make sense to everyone. Is there a loving, wise, and selfless step you believe God is putting in front of you that you have delayed because it feels uncomfortable? [49:33]
- When support from others fades or criticism grows, how do you usually respond: retreat, anger, people-pleasing, or continued obedience? What would it look like to keep your eyes on Jesus in that situation? [52:34]
- Jesus told the healed man to carry the mat that had once carried him. What “mat”—a wound, weakness, past failure, or painful season—has God used or might God use as part of your testimony rather than something to hide? [01:02:03]
- Faith does not guarantee the exact outcome a person expects, but Jesus promises his presence. In a current uncertainty, what hoped-for outcome do you need to release to God, and how can you take one faithful step without knowing all that comes next? [58:22]
