One bright morning, the sun smiled warmly over a small town called Capernaum. Many people had heard about Jesus, the man who told wonderful stories and helped people who were sick or sad. Today, a crowd was gathered near a little house, all hoping to see Jesus.
Inside the house, there were so many people that it was very crowded. Everyone wanted to hear Jesus talk about God’s love. Outside, four friends carried a man who could not walk. He was paralyzed, which means his legs did not work at all. The friends loved him very much and wanted Jesus to help him.
The friends tried to get inside the house, but the door was too full of people. They did not give up! They climbed up on the roof, which was made of wood and dirt. Carefully, they made a small hole in the roof right above Jesus. Then, they gently lowered their friend down on his mat, right in front of Jesus!
Jesus saw their faith, which means they believed He could help. He smiled kindly and said to the man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” The man’s heart felt happy and light, like a balloon floating in the sky.
Some teachers of the law thought, “Who can forgive sins but God alone?” They were confused and whispered to each other. Jesus knew what they were thinking. He said, “Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’?”
Then Jesus looked at the paralyzed man and said, “Get up! Pick up your mat and go home.” The man felt a strange, wonderful power in his legs. Slowly, he stood up! His legs were strong again! He picked up his mat, just like Jesus said, and walked out in front of everyone.
The crowd was amazed! They clapped and shouted, “We have never seen anything like this!” The man was so happy, his smile was as bright as the sun. His friends cheered, too, because their love and faith had helped their friend find healing.
Jesus showed everyone that God’s love is powerful and can make the impossible happen. He not only healed the man’s body but also showed that God forgives our sins, which makes our hearts clean and happy.
Have you ever helped a friend who was sad or needed help? Jesus loves when we care for others just like those friends did. And Jesus loves to help us when we believe in Him with all our hearts!
Questions to think about
- Who helped the paralyzed man get to Jesus?
- What did Jesus say to the man before healing him?
- How did the man feel when he could walk again?
- Why did the friends make a hole in the roof?
- What does this story tell us about Jesus’ power?
Message of the story
Jesus shows us that God’s love is strong and healing. He can forgive our sins and help us when we believe in Him.
Bible passage
Mark 2:1-12 (World English Bible)
1 When he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was heard that he was at home.
2 Many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room, not even near the door. And he was preaching the word to them.
3 They came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men.
4 Because they couldn’t bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus. When they had broken through, they let down the bed on which the paralytic was lying.
5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”
6 But some of the scribes were sitting there and reasoning in their hearts,
7 “Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming!
