Discuss the story in small groups using the following questions. {10–15 minutes}
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Why were so many people trying to get to Jesus? Why were the friends of the paralyzed man trying to get to Jesus? Did Jesus say he came to call those who are good or those who know they need a Savior? Why did Jesus heal the paralyzed man?
Takeaway
Jesus came to heal those who know they need a Savior.
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According to the Old Testament, how would people find forgiveness for their sin? Who is the only one that could forgive sins? Why did it make the religious leaders angry when Jesus told the paralyzed man, “Your sins are forgiven”? What did they get right? What did they get wrong?
Takeaway
Jesus has authority to forgive sins.
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If you break something of your parents, ask their forgiveness, and are forgiven by them, how do you feel? What about if you’re feeling really sick and a doctor gives you medicine that makes you feel better? How do you think the paralyzed man felt when Jesus healed and forgave his sins? How did the crowd respond?
Takeaway
When Jesus heals and forgives, the people of God celebrate.
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According to Jewish law, who should the paralyzed man have gone to for forgiveness of his sins? Who are we to go to for forgiveness of our sins? Why don’t we need to go to a temple anymore?
Takeaway
Because of Jesus, we no longer need a temple priest to ask forgiveness for our sins; we can ask Jesus directly.
