How might these definitions change when we add the qualifier found in the title above, “A Believer”?
In 2 Chronicles 20:1-19, we learn that King Jehoshaphat learned three people groups were advancing to attack Jerusalem. His immediate response to this threat was to call the tribe of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to fast and pray to the Lord.
The Lord responded through a prophecy by Jahaziel with encouragement and assurance that He would handle the threat.
Yet they were still told to show up for the battle the next day.
Today’s passage, Mark 2:1-12, shares a scenario that Jesus can heal so many people that four friends tear apart the roof to lower a paralytic down. The passage ends with the people amazed and glorifying God.
As you read the passage and answer the questions, keep the definition of glorify in mind.
What Does it Mean to Glorify God?
A Study of Mark 2:1-12 | Study Questions
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.[1]
Why were so many people gathering to be with Jesus in Capernaum? (See Mark 1:21-34)
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.[2]
Why did these men do this? (Again, see Mark 1:21-34)
5 And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”[3]
How did Jesus interpret the actions of these men?
What did Jesus do that seems unexpected?
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?”[4]
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.” [5]
How did Jesus know what the scribes were thinking?
Why did Jesus tell the paralytic that his sins were forgiven?
Is Jesus saying that the cause of the paralysis was due to sin? Why or why not?
What does this scenario reveal about Jesus?
12 And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!” [6]
What was unique about this healing in their minds?
Who was amazed?
How does this passage explain what it means to glorify God?
What Does it Mean to Glorify God?
A Study of Mark 2:1-12 | Application Questions
Who in the scenario from Mark 2:1-12 do you identify most with? Why?
What makes Jesus’ offer of forgiveness of sins more valuable than physical healing to you?
How does knowing Jesus has the authority to forgive sins enable you to glorify God?
Describe specific ways you glorify God in your daily life.
What Does it Mean to Glorify God? | Prayers of Faith
An example from James:
13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. 17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. 18 Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit. 19 My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, 20 let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. [7]
An example from me:
Heavenly Father, we glorify your holy name with honor, praise, and admiration. Who else but you is able to forgive us for all the wrongs we do? Thank you for loving us, your creation, that You made it possible for our sins to be forgiven. In addition, You know our greatest need is not for our physical frailties to be healed but for our souls to be redeemed. May we remember you are a compassionate God who wants us to know your love for us. The scriptures are full of examples of the actions you’ve taken to reach not just our minds but our hearts and souls to be captivated by Your amazing grace. Thank you also for faithful friends who go the distance to bring us to You with words of encouragement, teaching, and acts of service. May our prayers for one another be fruitful. Help us honor, praise, and admire You through all we do. Amen.
Take some time to write your own prayer of faith with honor, praise, and admiration to God and Jesus today.
Who in your sphere of influence can you encourage by sharing with them what you’ve learned about God and Jesus today?
A few weekends ago, I attended a retreat at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Charlotte that explored the Psalms through art, dance, drama, music, and study.
During one of the breakout group sessions, another participant asked the presenter if they prayed the imprecatory psalms, given that we are called to forgive and love our enemies.
This participant further shared that they had experienced a significant personal tragedy that forced them to wrestle with the topic of forgiveness, thus making the imprecatory psalms at best confusing to them and at worst contradictory to extending forgiveness.
But before we go any further, do you know what an imprecatory psalm is?
A couple of weeks ago some good friends asked if the podcast I recently took part in helped me find closure regarding my husband’s death.
My knee-jerk response to the question was to ask, “What do you mean by closure?”
They were uncertain how to answer my question.
This brief conversation has led me to spend some time pondering the concept of closure and how it relates biblically to a heart grieving over the tragic death of a loved one.
Is this truly possible in my circumstances from a biblical point of view?
