Roof Raising Faith

Pastor David Jones          

Sunday Morning’s message 9th Feb 2025

citywestchurch YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K482oB4oC1c

Objective

Encourage everyone in the group to allow God to freshly open their heart to relationship with him and what he desires for their life. To have faith for themselves and for others.

Leaders Note

Encourage everyone to allow God by his Spirit to reveal Jesus a fresh. Following Jesus is the most exciting and yet challenging faith adventure we could ever go on. That we would be YES people, FAITH people. We all have that one person to get to Jesus

Please choose what best suits your group and fits time well. You do not need to discuss every question. Choose two or three areas to discuss. Have fun Jesus People!

Discussion Time

We all face obstacles, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, but sometimes it takes a faith that defies limits to overcome them. This study focuses on four friends who didn’t let a crowd or a roof stop them from bringing their paralyzed friend to Jesus. Their bold and unshakable faith brought about a powerful miracle. Jesus didn’t just heal the man’s body; He forgave his sins, showing His authority over both the physical and spiritual realms.

Main Scriptural Reading: Mark 2:1-12

A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. 2 They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. 3 Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. 4 Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. 5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”

6 Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, 7 “Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?”

8 Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, “Why are you thinking these things? 9 Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? 10 But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the man, 11 “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” 12 He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”

Context and Setting

Capernaum was Jesus' second home, located on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee. This small town, with around 1,200–1,700 people, was a bustling community of fishermen, farmers and markets. People flocked to hear Jesus preach, filling the house to capacity. There was no room even outside the door.

The Roof Raising Faith of the Four Friends (Mark 2:3-4)

Four friends, carrying a paralyzed man, were determined to bring him to Jesus, but the crowd blocked their way. They looked for a solution, not willing to give up, they decided to dig through the roof, creating a hole big enough to lower the man down in front of Jesus.

In Palestinian homes, roofs were flat, often accessible by an exterior staircase, and made of tiles and thatch. It would have been noisy and messy as the four men tore through the roof—an act that was not only inconvenient but likely upsetting to those inside. Their faith was visible through their actions, and they were determined to get their friend to Jesus, no matter the cost.

Jesus Sees Their Faith (Mark 2:5)

When Jesus saw their faith, He responded. Their boldness, persistence, and determination were a demonstration of their trust in Jesus.  Jesus’ Response: "Son, your sins are forgiven."

Jesus didn’t immediately heal the man physically; He addressed the man's spiritual need first, showing that forgiveness is the greatest need we have.

Spiritual First, Physical Second

Jesus forgave the man’s sins before healing him physically. This is a reminder that our greatest need is spiritual healing, not just physical.

Discussion Questions

Do we seek Jesus first for our spiritual needs, trusting Him with all our circumstances?

The Teachers of the Law React (Mark 2:6-7)

The scribes were challenged scandalized. Only God had the authority to forgive sins, and they wanted to accused Jesus of blasphemy. The teachers of the law were correct in what they thought, according to the scriptures. But their hearts where off and that is where Jesus focused. Jesus' Response hit the mark as he knew their thoughts and posed a question: "Which is easier: to say 'your sins are forgiven,' or to say 'get up, take your mat and walk'?"

Jesus’ challenge was not just about healing; it was about demonstrating His divine authority. By forgiving sins and healing the man, Jesus proved His identity as the SON OF GOD.

Jesus Demonstrates His Authority (Mark 2:10-12)

What a miracle, to show His authority, Jesus said, “Get up, take your mat and go home.” The paralyzed man immediately stood up, took his mat, and walked out in front of everyone. The Reaction of crowd was pure amazement. They praised God and said, “We have never seen anything like this!”

This moment revealed not only Jesus' power to heal but His authority to forgive sins. His divine identity was clear. JESUS IS GOD

Reflection and Application

Faith and Discipleship in Action

The four men didn’t just hope Jesus could heal; they acted on that belief that he could.

Discussion Questions

What kind of faith do we have? Do we act in faith, even when obstacles seem insurmountable?

Are we willing to "raise the roof" to bring people to Jesus, no matter what it takes?

Just like the four men faced with the barrier of the crowd, we too can face obstacles in bringing others to Jesus.

Our "ONE"

Discussion Questions

Who is the one person in your life you are believing for currently?

Are you actively seeking ways to bring them to Jesus, no matter the difficulty?

Who is your "ONE" to get to THE ONE?

What does it take for us to truly raise the roof in faith, bringing others to Jesus? How will you act on your faith today?

(Leader: Take time to have people name someone and encourage them. 2025 to be a year of praying and believing for ONE MORE)

Closing Thoughts

In this story, we see a powerful display of faith that defies limits. The four friends didn’t let anything stop them from bringing their friend to Jesus, and their faith resulted in a miraculous healing. Jesus demonstrated His authority to forgive sins and heal, and the crowd was left in awe. This study encourages us to move beyond barriers, to have faith that acts boldly, and to remember that the greatest miracle is the forgiveness Jesus offers. Let’s take this faith into the world, raising the roof for others to experience His healing and forgiveness.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the example of faith shown by the four men. Help us to be bold in our faith and determined to bring others to You, no matter what obstacles we face. We trust in Your authority to forgive our sins and to heal us. May we always seek You first in our lives and help others experience Your transforming power. In Jesus' name, Amen.