September 7, 2024
A video introduction using illustrations, personal stories, metaphors, or active learning examples to begin the discussion.
After the video, prompts are supplied for thinking and sharing with others personal perception and experience. This opening activity prompts participants to think about and relate to the topic, and to share with others.
Objective: Create a brief dilemma or scenario for each item listed below, in which that item is crucial to resolving the situation.
Write the list of items 3x5 cards. Distribute them to the students and have them create a scenario in which that item is absolutely necessary to solving a dilemma. Take turns sharing the scenarios with the rest of the group.
As you explore the passage today, notice the apparent need and then consider how Jesus knew what the true need was.
List of Items:
The Bible discussion begins with a careful reading of the whole passage, either from your own Bibles, or from the provided images below.
Then participants are to ask:
Jesus Forgives and Heals a Paralyzed Man
1 A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. 2 They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. 3 Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. 4 Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. 5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”
What is the relationship between faith and healing? In this story, Jesus commends the faith of the paralyzed man's friends.
Consider the nature of the obstacles that determined the story. The friends of the paralyzed man faced significant obstacles (paralysis, carrying, crowds, the roof). What are some obstacles that we might encounter when seeking help for a friend or family member?
One key point in this story is that while your needs might seem clear to you, God knows exactly what you need. Sometimes you might want something badly, but it’s not truly necessary.
A parting video clip with a personal invitation to apply the message to “knowing Christ” and “living in Christ” in the coming week.