Faith & Forgiveness
Matthew 9:1-8 (ESV)
Jesus Heals a Paralytic
And getting into a boat he crossed over and came to his own city. And behold, some people brought to him a paralytic, lying on a bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.” And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he then said to the paralytic—“Rise, pick up your bed and go home.” And he rose and went home. When the crowds saw it, they were afraid, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to men.
Study Guide Questions:
Were there any specific aspects of the message or passage that was significant or that stood out?
What do you think the significance is of Jesus healing the paralytic’s body after forgiving him of his sins?
Are there times when Jesus focused on deeper heart issues instead of an immediate need you had? What was the impact or significance of that?
Are there barriers (“roofs”) that you need to break through to get near Jesus?
If you haven’t yet made a choice to follow Jesus as your Lord and Savior, what is stopping you? If you haven’t yet been baptized, what is stopping you?