Before we can answer the above question, we need to define glorification.
But as usual the definition of glorification doesn’t tell us much: the act of glorifying or the state of being glorified. Giggling.
The definition of glorify, is a little more helpful: to make glorious by bestowing honor, praise, or admiration.
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]
Were the scribes right or wrong about who can forgive sins? Why? (See Isaiah 43:14-25 and Daniel 9:9-19)
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?
What comments do you have to share below?
Warmly,
Barbara Lynn
[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Mk 2:1–2.
[2] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Mk 2:3–4.
[3] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Mk 2:5.
[4] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Mk 2:6–7.
[5] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Mk 2:8–11.
[6] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Mk 2:11–12.
[7] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Jas 5:13–20.