holes in our roofs

Mark 2:1-12 ERV

Verse by Verse

Untitled Sermon (3)“A few days later, Jesus came back to Capernaum. The news spread that he was back home. A large crowd gathered to hear him speak. The house was so full that there was no place to stand, not even outside the door. While Jesus was teaching,”

Mark 2:1-2 ERV

When Jesus entered the house there was standing room only! Why?

So we know Jesus - do we see people crowding into our homes - our church? Why?

“some people brought a paralyzed man to see him. He was being carried by four of them. But they could not get the man inside to Jesus because the house was so full of people. So they went to the roof above Jesus and made a hole in it. Then they lowered the mat with the paralyzed man on it.”

Mark 2:3-4 ERV

What example do these people set for us? Pull out all the stops when it comes to getting people to Jesus!!!

And back to our “full homes” are we willing to get homes torn in our roofs in order to see people come to Jesus?

“When Jesus saw how much faith they had, he said to the paralyzed man, “Young man, your sins are forgiven.””

Mark 2:5 ERV

Why did Jesus forgive this man’s sins? His faith - wha5 is faith?

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”

Hebrews 11:1 NIV

What you believe will dictate what actions you take!!!

We say we believe many things - do our actions show that we actually do?

Thankfully we have Grace and our Lord Jesus to help us with this as well.

Mark 9:17-29 ““It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” “ ‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!””

Mark 9:22-24 NIV

Side note - how do we increase our faith?

“So watch yourselves. “If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.” The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” He replied, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.”

Luke 17:3-6 NIV

“Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.”

Romans 10:17 NIV

Gravity analogy -

Takes knowledge - applies it - gets tested - becomes your testimony!!!!

“They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.”

Revelation 12:11 NIV

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

Mark 2:6-8 NIV

Why were they thinking that? Was it reasonable to think that?

Scripture - “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. Fear the Lord your God, serve him only and take your oaths in his name.”

Deuteronomy 6:4-5, 13 NIV

But they also had scriptures like this that point to Jesus the Messiah.

““The Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who repent of their sins,” declares the Lord.”

Isaiah 59:20 NIV

In short they were being challenged by Jesus teaching - as should we. Jesus then continues to teach them about who he was.

“Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.””

Mark 2:9-11 NIV

2 keys here - 1 which one was actually easier? Healing him, right.

2 - Jesus sets a clear priority here. Healing this man’s body was good it was nothing compared to healing his sin - the purpose of helping is to point to God and the real help we each need.

“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!””

Mark 2:12 NIV

Why do you think Jesus told him to take his mat with him?

Final point - who received the praise? God - when we are getting it right God will get the glory!!!

here’s a story of a group of friends who went to great lengths to get their paralyzed friend to Jesus. The roof was their only option. They tore it apart, risking damage, to lower him to Christ. Just like them, we need to be willing to risk discomfort or judgment to bring others to Jesus, tearing down barriers in our lives and communities. What roofs might we need to remove today to bring someone closer to Christ?

If you feel trapped in unproductive habits at home, like screen addiction that takes time away from family, take a moment to consciously 'pick up your mat' and change your routine. Start by setting aside specific, short times to unplug and engage with family over meals or activities. Create a family night dedicated to board games or Bible study where every member has a voice. This commitment will help you rejuvenate relationships, foster meaningful conversations, and prioritize your family in a way that mirrors Christ’s love for the church.

In today's busy world, you might feel burdened by past mistakes or regrets that keep you from moving forward. Just like the man at the Pool of Bethesda, whom Jesus commanded to pick up his mat and walk, you can lay aside your burdens. Identify one specific regret that you’ve been holding onto, and take time this week to pray about it, seeking God's forgiveness and healing. Then, in the coming services, share this experience with someone in your small group—this will help you to publicly declare your decision to move forward in faith.

Through the Roof: A Faith That Transforms

Bible Passage: Mark 2:1–12

Summary: In Mark 2:1-12, we see the paralytic man who is lowered through the roof to reach Jesus. This passage highlights the lengths to which people will go to access the healing power of Christ, showcasing faith, determination, and the transformative nature of forgiveness and healing.

Application: This sermon can help Christians consider what obstacles they are facing in their faith journeys and encourage them to overcome these challenges in order to bring their needs before Christ. It speaks to the necessity of community support in our struggles and the importance of faith in seeing God's work in our lives.

Teaching: The key teaching revolves around the concept that faith can break through barriers, both physical and spiritual. It emphasizes the importance of bringing others to Christ and the collective effort needed in rooted faith communities to support one another's journeys of healing and transformation.

How this passage could point to Christ: This passage points to Christ as the ultimate healer and forgiver, foreshadowing His power to forgive sins and His role as the redeemer of humanity. It aligns with the larger biblical narrative of Christ’s authority over sickness, sin, and death, culminating in His sacrifice for our ultimate restoration.

Big Idea: Our faith can open up new pathways to Christ, allowing us to experience healing and forgiveness even when obstacles seem insurmountable.

Recommended Study: As you prepare your sermon, consider exploring the cultural context of first-century Jewish practices regarding healing and forgiveness. Look into the historical significance of roof access in homes and the communal aspects surrounding this event. Utilizing your Logos library, you can delve into commentaries that discuss the miracles of Jesus and their implications in the context of Mark's Gospel.

1. Persistent Faith Breaks Barriers

Mark 2:1-4

Maybe, you could emphasize the desperation and determination of the paralytic's friends who went to great lengths to bring him to Jesus, embodying the faith that breaks through barriers. This act reflects the collective faith needed in a community and symbolizes how our obstacles can lead us closer to Christ when approached with creativity and belief. You could explore the importance of community in supporting each other's spiritual journeys, drawing parallels to modern obstacles Christians might face.

2. Powerful Forgiveness First

Mark 2:5

Perhaps, you could highlight Jesus’ response to the display of faith by focusing on His initial act of forgiving the man's sins before healing his body. This demonstrates Christ’s primary concern for spiritual healing and reconciliation, underscoring the power of faith that exceeds mere physical needs. You could discuss the broader implications of Jesus' forgiving words, encouraging believers to seek spiritual wholeness through faith in Christ's redemptive power, which triumphs over sin.

3. Proven Authority of Christ

Mark 2:6-12

You could explore how Jesus addresses the skepticism of the scribes, using this as an opportunity to reveal His divine authority. This section highlights the credibility of Jesus as both healer and forgiver, confirming His identity and mission. Perhaps discuss how faith can lead to miraculous transformations, overcoming doubt, and providing a profound witness to Christ's authority and compassion. Encourage listeners to trust in Jesus' power regardless of seeming impossibilities.