Text: Mark 2:1-12; John 5:1-9

Theme: Of Friends and Forgiveness

Open The Scriptures:

1. Reflect on John 5: How do you understand Jesus’s question, “Do you want to be healed?” Why do you think Jesus asked this question and didn’t approach the issue of the paralyzed man in a different way?

2. In Mark 2, the paralytic man receives forgiveness before healing. Why do you think Jesus prioritized forgiveness? How does this passage challenge our understanding of our deepest needs?

3. In Daniel 7, the term “Son of Man” is used. How does Jesus’s use of this title in Mark 2 expand our understanding of His identity and mission?

4. How does the communal aspect of faith, as highlighted in Mark’s account of “their faith” leading to the healing, influence your view on the role of community in spiritual healing and growth?

Open Your Lives:

1. Reflect on the idea that “bad company corrupts good morals.” How do the people you surround yourself with influence your spiritual and personal life? 

2. Have you ever had a “rip the roof off” moment where friends went above and beyond to help you in a time of need? Share with your group.

3. Consider a time when you experienced forgiveness from someone or when you forgave someone. What impact did that forgiveness have on your relationship?

4. We discussed the importance of friends who help bring you to Jesus. How would you say you’re doing with friendships in your life? How do you see them helping or hindering your relationship with Jesus?