The King's Authority to Forgive Sins

Who is your “call at 2 AM” friend? Who do you know would be there for you no matter what? How did you develop that kind of relationship with them? Share with the group.

What do you think the paralyzed man and his friends were thinking when they arrived to find crowds outside the door of the home where Jesus was speaking? What do you imagine the man was thinking as his friends hoisted him onto the roof or when they lowered him into the room where Jesus was?

Why does the statement “your sins are forgiven” spark thoughts of blasphemy in the minds of the religious leaders? How does healing the man prove that Jesus has the authority to forgive sins? Which is easier to say, “Get up and walk” or “Your sins are forgiven”? Which is easier to do, forgive sins, or heal a paralyzed person?

What is the role of faith in this story? Whose faith does Jesus commend? Why does Jesus emphasize faith when He addresses them? How would faith change the attitude of the teachers of the law? What do you think happened to the faith of those who witnessed the miracle?

Where do you see yourself in the story? Are you in the crowd, straining to see and hear Jesus? Are you the paralyzed man needing the healing touch and forgiveness of Jesus? Are you the friends laboring to bring your friend to Jesus? Or are you the teachers of the law, unable to accept something new that’s right in front of you?