Mark 2:1-12 [NLT] Sick people are of their need. Mark 2:1-4 (NLT) When Jesus returned to Capernaum several days later, the news spread quickly that he was back home. 2 Soon the house where he was staying was so packed with visitors that there was no more room, even outside the door. While he was preaching God’s word to them, 3 four men arrived carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. 4 They couldn’t bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above his head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus. 5 Seeing their faith,… 5 …Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “My child, your sins are forgiven.” You see, at that moment Jesus had the power to heal the man's body, just as he has the power to give YOU that career success, that relationship, that recognition you've been longing for. He actually has the power & authority to give each of us what we've been asking for, on the spot, no questions asked. But Jesus knows that's not nearly deep enough….We need someone who can go deeper than that. Someone who will…pierce our self-centeredness & remove the sin that enslaves us and distorts even our beautiful longings. In short, we need to be forgiven. That's the only way for our discontent to be healed. It will take more than a miracle worker or a divine genie – it will take a Savior. Jesus knows that to be our Savior he is going to have to die. ~ Timothy Keller, Jesus The King Religious people are of their need. Mark 2:6-8 (NLT) 6 But some of the teachers of religious law who were sitting there thought to themselves, 7 “What is he saying? This is blasphemy! Only God can forgive sins!” 8 Jesus knew immediately what they were thinking, so he asked them, “Why do you question this in your hearts?” Mark 2:17 (NLT) 17 When Jesus heard this, he told them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” Jesus proves he’s what needs. Mark 2:9-12 (NLT) “Is it easier to say to the paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk’?” 10 So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, 11 “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!” 12 And the man jumped up, grabbed his mat, and walked out through the stunned onlookers. … Sin is our greatest problem. It is our greatest enemy and separates us from God. It renders us spiritually dead, and if left unforgiven, results in eternal death in a place called hell. Sin shatters relationships, causes us to think foolishly, leads us to make bad choices, and moves us to act in evil and destructive ways. ~ Gospel of Mark , Christ Centered Exposition Daniel 7:13–14 (NLT) 13 As my vision continued that night, I saw someone like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient One and was led into his presence. 14 He was given authority, honor, and sovereignty over all the nations of the world, so that people of every race and nation and language would obey him. His rule is eternal—it will never end. His kingdom will never be destroyed. What Now ? Eagerly get yourself (& your friends) to Jesus. Continuing The Conversation Group Questions 1. Are you able to trust in Jesus’ power to heal & transform your friend’s lives enough to overcome obstacles (fear of rejection, discomfort, or busyness) to boldly sharing your faith story or to pray for them with expectation? 2. Are there any areas of your life where: a. you’re in desperate need for what only Jesus can provide? 3. Do you ever catch yourself pridefully comparing your righteousness to the brokenness of others — in what ways? 4. Are there any ways this prophecy about Jesus stirs up your awareness of your surrender to him? Daniel 7:13–14 (NLT) 13 As my vision continued that night, I saw someone like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient One and was led into his presence. 14 He was given authority, honor, and sovereignty over all the nations of the world, so that people of every race and nation and language would obey him. His rule is eternal—it will never end. His kingdom will never be destroyed.