Forgiven & Healed

CROSSROADS: Encounters with Jesus
Written By Zakk Gammon

We all think we know what our biggest problem is: finances, health, relationships. But sometimes the things that feel most urgent aren’t actually the most important.

In Mark 2, four friends lowered a paralyzed man through a roof to get him to Jesus. He came for healing, but Jesus gave him something far greater: forgiveness.

In this message, discover that Jesus always meets our deepest need before our obvious one. The question is, will we walk away unchanged, or walk out forgiven?

Sermon Notes

Bottom Line: Jesus often meets our deepest need before our obvious one.

1. The Scene (vv. 1–5)

  • Four friends bring a paralyzed man to Jesus, but the crowd blocks the way.

  • They don’t stop. They climb the roof, tear a hole in it, and lower him down.

  • Jesus sees their faith and says, “Your sins are forgiven.”

Key Thought: Sometimes the greatest gift Jesus gives isn’t what we wanted; it’s what we needed most.

2. The Confrontation (vv. 6–9)

  • The religious leaders are shocked: “Who can forgive sins but God alone?”

  • They’re right. Only God can. Which means Jesus is declaring who He truly is.

Key Thought: Jesus doesn’t just heal bodies. He restores souls.

3. The Proof (vv. 10–12)

  • To prove His authority, Jesus says to the man, “Get up, take your mat, and walk.”

  • The man walks out in front of everyone, completely healed.

  • The crowd is amazed and praises God, saying, “We’ve never seen anything like this!”

Key Thought:

Forgiveness is invisible until your life starts to walk differently.

Questions for Reflection:

  1. Where do you need Jesus to meet a deeper need in your life?

  2. Who are the friends helping you get closer to Him?

  3. What might it look like for your faith to be seen, not just said?

Memory Verse:

“The Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins.” — Mark 2:10 (NLT)

Zakk Gammon