Week 9 - Matthew 9 v 1 to 8 Jesus heals and forgives a paralysed man

Matthew 9

New International Version

Jesus forgives and heals a paralysed man

See Mark 2 v 1-12

¹ Jesus stepped into a boat, crossed over and came to his own town. ²Some men brought to him a paralysed man, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, ‘Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.’

³At this, some of the teachers of the law said to themselves, ‘This fellow is blaspheming!’

⁴Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, ‘Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts? ⁵Which is easier: to say, “Your sins are forgiven,” or to say, “Get up and walk”? ⁶But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.’ So he said to the paralysed man, ‘Get up, take your mat and go home.’ ⁷Then the man got up and went home. ⁸When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe; and they praised God, who had given such authority to man.

·        What was Jesus’ home town? (V1) Mark 2

·        What was the expectation of the friends who brought their friend to Jesus?

·        Jesus said ‘Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.’ Did this answer the friends expectations?

·        Why did Jesus say that first?

·        In Mark 2 v 7 the Pharisees accuse Jesus – on what grounds did they do this?

·        How did Jesus show his authority?

·        What did Jesus tell the paralysed man to do? How do you think he felt about obeying Jesus command?

·        Did the man struggle to get and walk up without crutches?

·        What was the crowds reaction?

Please email Brother Phil your answers and further discussion.