2. Jesus Heals a Paralytic
Mark 2:1-12

3. Introduction One of the better known healing miracles
Also found in Matt 9:1-8 and Luke 5:17-26
A paralytic man is let down through the roof by his friends to be healed by Jesus
The event produced a range of reactions
Excitement, joy, praise, anger, blasphemy
The event and reactions also lead us to several lessons to be learned

4. The event Setting: Capernaum The paralytic is brought by his friends
Described as Jesus’ “own city”
Likely where He had made his home for some years
In a house which soon overflowed with listeners
The paralytic is brought by his friends
Unable to move, confined to his stretcher
Friends bring him to roof, break through, and lower the paralytic
Don’t underestimate the work involved

5. Jesus’ reaction Mark 2:5 Upon seeing “their faith” (the friends)
He forgives the paralytic
Notice: They brought him to be healed, but Jesus has not done that
Why? The answer comes later

6. Scribes’ reaction Scribes think Jesus blasphemes (Mk 2:6-7)
Luke 5:21 includes Pharisees
Since only God can forgive sins
If Jesus is only a man
Then He has elevated Himself to equality with God

7. Jesus’ defense Which is easier (to say and do)?
Both require God’s power and approval
To show He has God’s power and approval
He now heals the paralytic
If God allows the healing to take place
Then God must have approved of the forgiving of sins
And Jesus must have the power of God

8. The people’s reaction
“Amazed” Mk 2:12; “ and filled with fear” Lk 5:26
And they glorified God
They understood God allowed the healing
Fearful that Jesus had such power given by God (Matt 9:8)

9. Lessons for today Jesus has the power to forgive sins
He had the power on earth (Mk 2:10-11)
Also Lk 7:44-48 and Lk 23:39-43
He has the power in heaven
Through His blood – Eph 1:7; 1 Jn 1:7
Accessed through belief, repentance and baptism – Acts 2:38, 10:42-43
If we want to be forgiven by Jesus, we must seek it where and how He said it could be found (Mk 16:16)

10. Lessons for today The preciousness of friends with faith
Jesus saw “their faith”
Brought their friend
Not defeated by the crowd
Overcoming obstacles (like a roof)
The paralytic would never have made it to Jesus without them
Do we have such friends of faith?
Are we such a friend to others?

11. Lessons for today Don’t take your blessings for granted
Capernaum was the site of many miracles
Centurion’s servant healed, Peter’s mother-in-law healed, demons cast out, nobleman’s son healed
Yet so many didn’t believe (Mt 11:23-24)
And would be condemned
We have great blessings from the Lord
A country with religious freedom
Region where there are many churches
How will God judge our use of His blessings?

12. Conclusion The healing of the paralytic reveals
A man who was in need
A man blessed with faithful friends
A man who was forgiven of his sins by Jesus
We are all like the paralytic man
With needs only Jesus can meet
Needing faithful friends to help us
Needing Jesus to forgive us of our sins
Will you come to Jesus?