Encounters with Jesus Series: Jesus Forgives and Heals a Paralysed Man

Matthew 9:1-8

Icebreaker - Central to today’s passage is the part played by the paralysed man’s friends (and/or possibly, family).  Share some examples of true friendship that you have experienced and the impact this has had on your life.

Introduction - At this point in His ministry Jesus is travelling widely, drawing crowds, teaching them, feeding them, and performing miracles.  He is facing opposition as well as adulation, as will be clear if you read the last few verses of the preceding chapter (Matt 8: 28-34).  In this chapter, He returns to His home town (v1) - you can see where this is by reading one of the parallel accounts – see Mark 2:1. He would have been very well known there, and it is quite possible that the paralysed man and his helpers would have been waiting expectantly for His return.

Read Matthew 9:1-8

Discussion points and questions

1.       Consider the passage from the perspective of “the men”. 

• Discuss the role they played, especially in the context of prevailing attitudes towards those with disabilities. 

• What impact would these events have had on their lives?

2.       Consider the passage from the perspective of the teachers of the law.  What emotions would they have gone through in:

• Verses 2-3

• Verses 4-6a

• Verses 6b-7

• Imagine them later that evening discussing the day’s events over a beer and packet of crisps!  Despite them all having the same experience that day, it’s possible to think of them having very different reactions to what they’d seen and heard.  Discuss what those reactions might have been.

3.       Consider the passage from the perspective of the paralysed man.

• What hopes or other feelings might he have had as he was carried there?

• We see that he is forgiven before he is healed.  What significance might that have?

• In the NIV at least, Jesus actually says something to him before declaring forgiveness.  Using the NIV, look carefully at the first three words Jesus says to Him (v.2).  Do the same for the equivalent accounts in Luke 5:20 and Mark 2:5. Discuss the significance of these words coming from the Son of God.  What lessons can we learn from this? 

4.       Jesus says to the man “Your sins are forgiven.”  Our strong and constant hope is that He will say that to us too when He comes again. 

• Discuss how it must feel to hear those words. 

• Reflecting for yourself about some of the wrongs you have suffered, and how easy or difficult it has been to forgive those involved – discuss the depths of grace Jesus shows whenever He says those words.   

5.       Take a moment to reflect on the passage and discussion.  What key message will you take away?

Prayer

In a moment of quiet, give thanks for close friends and family who have stood by you through difficult times.  Ask Jesus for encouragement and perseverance if you are providing such help at the moment.

Give thanks for the affirmation, forgiveness and healing that Jesus offers us.

At a national level, the NHS, social services and care services face great challenges.  We can pray at the macro level, and/or for individuals we know who work to bring healing and wholeness.