1.17.21 Sunday School
Unit 2: Jesus and Calls In His Ministry
Called to Heal | Bible Background • MARK 2:1-12 | Printed Text • MARK 2:1-12 | Devotional Reading • PSALM 103:1-14
AIM FOR CHANGE
By the end of this lesson, we will STUDY Mark’s account of Jesus healing the man who was paralyzed, APPRECIATE how one’s physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs are intertwined, and PRAY for God’s healing grace to touch us at our particular point of need.
IN FOCUS
Brenda listened to the small group’s prayer requests. They were going to pray for Lee’s cousin who had cancer, Jordan’s knee replacement surgery, and Georgie’s nephew who had an opioid addiction. Brenda thought hard, but her family was blessed with good health at the moment. She had just video-chatted with her parents a couple of days ago and everyone was happy and healthy.
Especially in the face of the other serious prayer requests, she felt embarrassed to ask about what was really weighing on her heart. She often suffered from mild Seasonal Affective Disorder. She had felt it settling in over her once Christmas vacation back home in Mississippi was over and she had come back to Virginia where she worked. When it was her turn, Brenda took a deep breath and shared, “I feel silly asking this, but could you guys pray for my mental health?” Brenda met the small group’s sympathetic gazes. “I usually have seasonal depression and I’m worried this year will be worse than usual since this is my first winter here away from my family.”
“No need to feel silly at all, Brenda. Thanks for letting us know how to help you,” the small group leader Jordan said. “I’ve had some bouts with depression myself and I am happy to talk with you about it, if you want.”
God cares about our wholeness in all aspects of our beings- bodily, mentally, and spiritually. How can we work as the church to make sure we minister to the whole person?
Keep This in Mind
“Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk?” (Mark 2:9, KJV)
Focal Verses
1 And again he entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house.
2 And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so
much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them.
3 And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.
4 And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when
they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.
5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.
6 But there was certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts,
7 Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?
8 And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto
them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts?
9 Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy
bed, and walk?
10 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the
palsy,)
11 I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.
12 And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all
amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.
2 And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so
much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them.
3 And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.
4 And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when
they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.
5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.
6 But there was certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts,
7 Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?
8 And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto
them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts?
9 Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy
bed, and walk?
10 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the
palsy,)
11 I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.
12 And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all
amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.
The People, Places, and Times
Palsy. This disability is due to the loss of motor function of muscles or certain nerves. It refers to all forms of
paralysis. The word “palsy” translates the Greek word paralutikos (pahrah- loo-tih-KAHSS) from which we
derive the English words paralytic and paralysis. The man in this week’s Scripture is paralyzed, hence he is
unable to walk by himself to meet Jesus. Matthew records the Capernaum centurion asking Jesus to heal his
servant of paralysis, which causes him terrible suffering. (Matthew 8:5-6). The apostles also healed those who
suffer from this condition (Acts 8:7; 9:33-34).
Palsy. This disability is due to the loss of motor function of muscles or certain nerves. It refers to all forms of
paralysis. The word “palsy” translates the Greek word paralutikos (pahrah- loo-tih-KAHSS) from which we
derive the English words paralytic and paralysis. The man in this week’s Scripture is paralyzed, hence he is
unable to walk by himself to meet Jesus. Matthew records the Capernaum centurion asking Jesus to heal his
servant of paralysis, which causes him terrible suffering. (Matthew 8:5-6). The apostles also healed those who
suffer from this condition (Acts 8:7; 9:33-34).
Scribes. Often called lawyers, doctors, or teachers of the law (Matthew 22:35), they were not considered a
Jewish sect or a party, nor were they priests. The title scribe referred to their capacity as transcribers of the
Hebrew Bible. They would copy the entire Old Testament by hand onto new scrolls when a new copy was
needed. This careful, precise copying of the entire Law, Prophets, and Writings gave them great knowledge of
the Scriptures. Mark presents the scribes as often in the company of Pharisees and of the chief priests and
coming from Jerusalem.
Jewish sect or a party, nor were they priests. The title scribe referred to their capacity as transcribers of the
Hebrew Bible. They would copy the entire Old Testament by hand onto new scrolls when a new copy was
needed. This careful, precise copying of the entire Law, Prophets, and Writings gave them great knowledge of
the Scriptures. Mark presents the scribes as often in the company of Pharisees and of the chief priests and
coming from Jerusalem.
Have you had special training or a profession that gave you expertise in a subject? How do you and others
value that skill?
value that skill?
Background
The news of Jesus, the worker of miracles, spread throughout Capernaum. This was an exciting time. The
community had never experienced a healer and teacher like Jesus. No wonder Mark 1:32-33 speaks of the
townspeople bringing all the sick and demon-possessed to Jesus. And in Jesus’ great compassion He healed
every one of them, but He too needed a time of restful healing. So the next morning He departed to be alone
with the Father.
The news of Jesus, the worker of miracles, spread throughout Capernaum. This was an exciting time. The
community had never experienced a healer and teacher like Jesus. No wonder Mark 1:32-33 speaks of the
townspeople bringing all the sick and demon-possessed to Jesus. And in Jesus’ great compassion He healed
every one of them, but He too needed a time of restful healing. So the next morning He departed to be alone
with the Father.
The Scriptures do not tell the length of Jesus’ solitude, but His time was shortened by the disciples’ appearance.
Jesus did not appear to be irritated by the disciples’ presence, but informed them that He must preach in other
places: “Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth” (from Mark
1:38). Of a certainty there were more people in need of healing in Capernaum, but Jesus knew His mission was
to spread the Gospel to everyone, so He traveled to other towns.
Do you make time to recharge with periods of solitude?
Jesus did not appear to be irritated by the disciples’ presence, but informed them that He must preach in other
places: “Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth” (from Mark
1:38). Of a certainty there were more people in need of healing in Capernaum, but Jesus knew His mission was
to spread the Gospel to everyone, so He traveled to other towns.
Do you make time to recharge with periods of solitude?
At-A-Glance
1. Jesus Preaches (Mark 2:1-4)
2. Jesus Pardons (vv. 5-9)
3. Jesus Heals (vv. 10-12)
1. Jesus Preaches (Mark 2:1-4)
2. Jesus Pardons (vv. 5-9)
3. Jesus Heals (vv. 10-12)
In Depth
1. Jesus Preaches (Mark 2:1-4)
1. Jesus Preaches (Mark 2:1-4)
When Jesus entered Capernaum (v. 1), He preached “the word,” meaning the
Gospel of God’s kingdom. Mark’s description of the enthusiastic crowd that gathered suggests that it filled the
house, jammed the doorway, and spilled out into the street. What a tribute to the ministry of Jesus!
Gospel of God’s kingdom. Mark’s description of the enthusiastic crowd that gathered suggests that it filled the
house, jammed the doorway, and spilled out into the street. What a tribute to the ministry of Jesus!
Four men carrying “one sick of the palsy” joined the crowd but were unable to access Jesus through the
doorway. Therefore, to get within touching distance of Jesus, they carried the paralytic up the outside stairway
to the roof of the house. The oriental house structures in those days were one or two stories, built in a rectangle
or square. They had one door that opened into an open space called the porch. Often the porch contained a
stairway that led to the roof. So these friends saw the roof as a means to reach Jesus. They tore the roof open
and lowered the paralytic on his bed down through the opening to where Jesus stood preaching. What a scene!
doorway. Therefore, to get within touching distance of Jesus, they carried the paralytic up the outside stairway
to the roof of the house. The oriental house structures in those days were one or two stories, built in a rectangle
or square. They had one door that opened into an open space called the porch. Often the porch contained a
stairway that led to the roof. So these friends saw the roof as a means to reach Jesus. They tore the roof open
and lowered the paralytic on his bed down through the opening to where Jesus stood preaching. What a scene!
Share about a time you have worked hard to help a friend hear the word of God.
2. Jesus Pardons (vv. 5-9)
Jesus knows this extraordinary action was based on extraordinary faith. He pardons
the crippled man’s sin. The teachers of the law said nothing but were outraged as they pondered Jesus forgiving
the sins of another. Based on Old Testament laws (Exodus 34:6–7), the scribes knew only God had the authority
to forgive sins. In their view, Jesus had committed blasphemy (Leviticus 24:15-16), a serious charge that was
punishable by death. Even though the scribes do not voice their concerns aloud, Jesus knows their thoughts,
which serves as further proof that He is the all-knowing, all-powerful God. Jesus declares His authority as One
who is able not only to heal but also to forgive sins. Jesus’ words convey to the scribes that forgiving sins are no
harder than healing. Since Jesus can heal, as the scribes had seen Him do, then He can also forgive sins.
the crippled man’s sin. The teachers of the law said nothing but were outraged as they pondered Jesus forgiving
the sins of another. Based on Old Testament laws (Exodus 34:6–7), the scribes knew only God had the authority
to forgive sins. In their view, Jesus had committed blasphemy (Leviticus 24:15-16), a serious charge that was
punishable by death. Even though the scribes do not voice their concerns aloud, Jesus knows their thoughts,
which serves as further proof that He is the all-knowing, all-powerful God. Jesus declares His authority as One
who is able not only to heal but also to forgive sins. Jesus’ words convey to the scribes that forgiving sins are no
harder than healing. Since Jesus can heal, as the scribes had seen Him do, then He can also forgive sins.
3. Jesus Heals (vv. 10-12)
Jesus turns His attention to the paralytic and commands him, “Arise, and take up thy
bed, and go thy way into thine house” (v. 11). The healing verified Jesus’ claim to grant forgiveness. Since the
healing was real and impossible for any but God, the claim to forgive sins is also real. The paralytic
immediately arose, took up his bed, and walked out in full view of the crowd. This amazed everyone and they
praised God—they had never seen anything like this!
bed, and go thy way into thine house” (v. 11). The healing verified Jesus’ claim to grant forgiveness. Since the
healing was real and impossible for any but God, the claim to forgive sins is also real. The paralytic
immediately arose, took up his bed, and walked out in full view of the crowd. This amazed everyone and they
praised God—they had never seen anything like this!
Every healing that takes place is cause for rejoicing and praising God. God still heals, but we all know instances
where healing didn’t occur. Sometimes in the face of our illness, our faith demonstrates God’s higher purpose
(John 9) and our relationship with Him. Our faith, despite the absence of physical healing, can recognize the
grace of God’s peace and strength amid our weakened state. God’s healing may be physical, emotional, or
spiritual. Even in the absence of healing (2 Corinthians 12:7), we must remember that His grace is sufficient and
our faith is the trademark of our relationship with Him—a relationship based on the forgiveness of our sins and
reconciliation with our God.
where healing didn’t occur. Sometimes in the face of our illness, our faith demonstrates God’s higher purpose
(John 9) and our relationship with Him. Our faith, despite the absence of physical healing, can recognize the
grace of God’s peace and strength amid our weakened state. God’s healing may be physical, emotional, or
spiritual. Even in the absence of healing (2 Corinthians 12:7), we must remember that His grace is sufficient and
our faith is the trademark of our relationship with Him—a relationship based on the forgiveness of our sins and
reconciliation with our God.
Search the Scriptures
1. What was the main thing that Jesus noticed about the four men who brought their friend to Him? (v. 5)
2. What did Jesus do before He told the man to “take up thy bed, and walk”? (v. 9)
3. What was the reaction of the people when Jesus healed the paralytic? (v. 12) What about when He forgave
his sins?
1. What was the main thing that Jesus noticed about the four men who brought their friend to Him? (v. 5)
2. What did Jesus do before He told the man to “take up thy bed, and walk”? (v. 9)
3. What was the reaction of the people when Jesus healed the paralytic? (v. 12) What about when He forgave
his sins?
Discuss the Meaning
1. Why did Jesus perform the miracle of forgiveness before performing the miracle of healing (Mark 2:10)?
2. Given their commitment to upholding Jewish law, were the scribes justified in their accusations against
Jesus? What motivated their thinking?
1. Why did Jesus perform the miracle of forgiveness before performing the miracle of healing (Mark 2:10)?
2. Given their commitment to upholding Jewish law, were the scribes justified in their accusations against
Jesus? What motivated their thinking?
Liberating Lesson
Illness and infirmity in body, mind, and soul afflict everyone today. May those who have not yet found physical
healing continue seeking it in the faith, believing that God does heal physical illnesses. Yet He does not heal in
every situation. Whether God offers you healing to overcome your illness or strength to continue despite it, you
have witnessed the power of God in your life. Paul tells us that God comforts us so that we can comfort others
(2 Corinthians 1:4). The testimony of God’s presence in your life at a time when healing or deliverance was
needed, provides an opportunity for you to share how God sustained you through that time. Whether He has
brought you out or continues to help you through, simply sharing with other hurting people helps them know
they are not alone.
Illness and infirmity in body, mind, and soul afflict everyone today. May those who have not yet found physical
healing continue seeking it in the faith, believing that God does heal physical illnesses. Yet He does not heal in
every situation. Whether God offers you healing to overcome your illness or strength to continue despite it, you
have witnessed the power of God in your life. Paul tells us that God comforts us so that we can comfort others
(2 Corinthians 1:4). The testimony of God’s presence in your life at a time when healing or deliverance was
needed, provides an opportunity for you to share how God sustained you through that time. Whether He has
brought you out or continues to help you through, simply sharing with other hurting people helps them know
they are not alone.
Application for Activation
Think of someone you know who is suffering from a physical illness. Pray that God might grant wisdom and a
deeper understanding of the role of faith in their healing process. Dare to believe that when physical illness
prevails, there is more to pray for than a cure. We can pray for God to give us grace and increased faith amid
our pain.
Think of someone you know who is suffering from a physical illness. Pray that God might grant wisdom and a
deeper understanding of the role of faith in their healing process. Dare to believe that when physical illness
prevails, there is more to pray for than a cure. We can pray for God to give us grace and increased faith amid
our pain.
Make a list of the times God has healed you physically, emotionally, or spiritually. Reflect on how that healing
changed your life and deepened your faith. If you are still awaiting healing, reflect on the blessings He has
given you during your situation.
changed your life and deepened your faith. If you are still awaiting healing, reflect on the blessings He has
given you during your situation.
Follow the Spirit
What God wants me to do:
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Remember Your Thoughts
Special insights I have learned:
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What God wants me to do:
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Remember Your Thoughts
Special insights I have learned:
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