08 Family Worship Guide:

Book of Mark, Day Eight, Lesson Eight

Author

Justin Hoke
September 24, 2024

Dear Family Worship Magazine Community,

Family Worship Guide: Book of Mark, Day Eight, Lesson Eight
These guides are designed to help you lead your family in daily worship. Each lesson is brief, lasting only 15-25 minutes. If you'd like to extend the worship time, consider adding additional hymns or reviewing the Shorter Catechism. You'll find the first lesson included below.

Opening Prayer:

"Heavenly Father, thank You for this time we have to come together and study Your Word. As we read about the power and authority of Jesus, open our hearts to see His greatness and help us to trust in Him more deeply. Guide us as we learn and speak to us through Your Holy Spirit, that we might grow in faith and live in obedience to Your will. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen."

Scripture Reading: Mark 2:1-12 (ESV)

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!”

Reflection and Teaching:

In this passage, Jesus returns to Capernaum, and the news spreads quickly. A large crowd gathers to hear Him teach, but there is something even more amazing that is about to happen.

A group of friends brings a paralyzed man to Jesus, hoping for healing. When they can’t get through the crowd, they take extraordinary measures: they lower their friend through the roof to place him directly in front of Jesus. This act shows their deep faith, not only in Jesus' ability to heal but also in their determination to bring their friend to Him.

However, Jesus’ first response is surprising. Instead of immediately healing the man’s physical condition, He says, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” This teaches us that Jesus is more concerned with our spiritual health than anything else. Sin is the root problem in our lives, and Jesus came to address that first. The religious leaders are shocked by Jesus’ words, accusing Him of blasphemy because only God can forgive sins.

Knowing their thoughts, Jesus demonstrates His authority by healing the man’s physical body as well, showing that He indeed has the power to forgive sins. The man walks away, and the people are left amazed, glorifying God.

This passage shows us that Jesus is not just a healer of physical ailments—He has authority over sin, our greatest problem. His power goes beyond the external and reaches the deepest needs of our hearts.

Discussion Questions:

For Younger Children (Ages 10-13):

  1. What did the friends do to bring the paralyzed man to Jesus? Why do you think they went through so much effort?

  2. What did Jesus say to the man first? Why is it important that Jesus forgave his sins before healing him?

  3. How did the people react when the man was healed? What does this teach us about Jesus’ power?

For Older Children (Ages 14-18):

  1. The friends of the paralytic went to great lengths to bring him to Jesus. What does this show about their faith, and how can we have that same kind of faith in Jesus?

  2. Why did Jesus first forgive the man’s sins before healing him physically? What does this teach us about what Jesus sees as most important in our lives?

  3. Jesus showed the scribes that He has the authority to forgive sins. How does knowing that Jesus can forgive our sins change the way we live and respond to Him?

Application:

  • For All Ages: Discuss how the story of the paralyzed man teaches us about the power of faith and the importance of bringing others to Jesus. As a family, think about someone who needs to hear about Jesus, and pray for them together. Commit to helping others find hope and healing in Christ.

  • For Older Children: Reflect on how Jesus has the authority to forgive your sins. Spend some quiet time in prayer, confessing any sins you may be holding onto and asking for His forgiveness. Write down any areas of your life where you want to experience more of Jesus’ healing, both physically and spiritually.

Closing Prayer:

"Lord Jesus, we thank You that You have the authority not only to heal our bodies but also to forgive our sins. Thank You for caring about our deepest needs and for showing us Your power. Help us to have faith like the friends in this story, and give us the boldness to bring others to You. May we live in the joy of Your forgiveness and share Your love with those around us. In Your name, we pray, Amen."

Hymn or Song:

End with a hymn or song that reflects Jesus’ authority and forgiveness, such as “Jesus Paid It All” or “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.”


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