We all come to God seeking something - a better marriage, help for a child, healing, provision, or answers. But what if the very thing that brings us to Him isn’t actually our greatest need? Again and again, Jesus shows us that He looks past what we think we need in order to give us what we truly need most. While we’re focused on immediate problems, He sees the deeper need underneath it all and moves to restore what matters most - our relationship with God. Join us this Sunday as we discover how Jesus meets us in our requests, but refuses to stop there, offering something greater than what we came asking for.

Mark 2:1-11

Jesus Heals a Paralytic

2 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.”

For Adult Homes and Groups

Read Mark 2:1-11. As you read, discuss these questions:

1. What were the obvious needs and expectations of the paralytic and his friends? How did Jesus respond differently than they likely anticipated?

2. Why do you think Jesus chose to address the man’s need for forgiveness before healing his physical condition? What does this suggest about Jesus’ priorities?

3. Can you identify an area in your life where you are asking God for something specific, but He might be inviting you to trust Him for a deeper purpose?

For Families with Kids

1. Read Mark 2:1-11 together.

2. What did the man need healing from? Why did Jesus first forgive the man’s sins?

3. What did the friends expect Jesus to do first?

4. What is sin, and why is it a bigger problem than not being able to walk?

5. We often ask God for big things like healing or help with school. Do we ever forget to ask Him first for the most important thing (forgiveness)? How does it feel to know that Jesus cares about your “inside” (spiritual health) just as much as your “outside” (physical health)?

6. Heart wash activity: Draw a large heart on a paper towel using a permanent marker. Use washable markers to draw small spots or “yucky things” inside the heart. Each spot represents a “deeper need” or a sin (e.g., being unkind, lying). Dip the paper towel into a bowl of water and gently agitate it. The washable marker spots will disappear, but the heart remains. Just like the man’s legs were healed on the outside, Jesus wanted to wash the man’s heart clean on the inside first.