Faith That Brings Healing - Mark 2: 1-12

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Scripture Reading

Mark 2: 1-12 (ESV)

1 And when he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. 2 And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them. 3 And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men.4 And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. 5 And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” 6 Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, 7 “Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 8 And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you question these things in your hearts?9 Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your bed and walk’? 10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic— 11 “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.” 12 And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”

Reflection:

The paralytic in this story could not get to Jesus on his own—so his friends carried him. When they hit a barrier, they didn’t give up; they tore through the roof. Scripture says that when Jesus saw his faith, He forgave and healed the man.

This is a powerful picture of what a worship team can be: people who, together, carry others into the presence of Jesus through prayer, unity, and perseverance. Our faith-filled worship can help remove obstacles that keep people from seeing Him clearly.

Notice, too, that Jesus addressed the man’s deepest need first—forgiveness—and then his physical need. Worship always starts with the heart.

Personal Questions:

1. Who in my life do I need to “carry to Jesus” in prayer right now?
2. Do I tend to give up when ministry is hard, or press in with faith?
3. How have I personally experienced both Jesus’ forgiveness and His healing?

Team Questions:

1. How does our teamwork reflect the kind of united faith we see in this story?
2. What “barriers” (distractions, attitudes, division) might we need to remove as a team?
3. How does keeping the focus on forgiveness and the heart shape the way we lead worship?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, grow my faith—not just for myself, but for others. Help me carry people to You in prayer and service, even when it’s hard or inconvenient. Use our team’s unity and worship to point people to Your forgiveness and healing. Amen.