Corner Toter
Mark 2:1
"And when He returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home.”
The friends of the paralytic hear that Jesus is in town—the One who controls nature and heals the sick.
Hope rises!
Mark 2:2
"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."
Why such a crowd? Because of the miracles!
Jesus’ miracles always pointed to His redemptive purpose, not just raw power.
Mark 2:3-4
"And they came, bringing to Him a paralytic carried by four men."
"And when they could not get near Him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above Him, and when they made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay."
Do you have four friends who would do whatever it takes to get you to Jesus?
We often have buddies (sports, hunting, fishing) but do we have true spiritual warriors?
Friendship Matters
True friends pray for you and challenge you.
They have "refrigerator rights"—they know your heart and are not afraid to speak the truth.
Church Culture
Are we a church willing to “rip the roof off” for one more person to meet Jesus?
Digging through a first-century roof was messy and hard—but worth it!
Church isn’t for us; it’s for Him!
Our purpose: To help people Discover & Deepen a relationship with Him!
Mark 2:5
"And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’"
Their faith was visible—it produced action!
Faith isn’t a feeling; it’s what you do.
Two kinds of people: those who make excuses and those who make a difference.
The True Need
Jesus doesn’t immediately heal the man’s legs—He forgives his sins first.
The greatest need of every person is not physical healing but forgiveness.
The world labels us, but only Jesus defines us: "Son" or "Daughter" of God.
Mark 2:6-8
"But some of the scribes were sitting there and reasoning in their hearts... ‘Who can forgive sins but God alone?’"
The scribes were right—only God can forgive sins!
Jesus, knowing their thoughts, demonstrates His divine authority.
Mark 2:9-11
"Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven’; or to say, ‘Get up, and pick up your pallet and walk’?"
It’s easy to say "Your sins are forgiven" but proving it is another matter.
Jesus proves His authority by healing the man physically.
Mark 2:12
"And he got up and immediately picked up the pallet and went out in the sight of everyone, so that they were all amazed and were glorifying God, saying, ‘We have never seen anything like this.’"
A powerful moment of worship!
Implications for Us
4 friends, 4 corners of the mat, so here are 4 ways to be that friend:
.Share Your Faith – Acts 1:8 (You are a witness!)
Serve at Your Church – Move from consumer to contributor
Remove Obstacles – Like the friends removing the roof. (Acts 15)
Trust God to Change Hearts – Only He can do it, but we have a role to play.