Forgiven & Healed

Hello & Greeting

Prayer Requests

Pastoral Prayer & The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Message

Introduction

Have you ever been convinced you knew something, but it turns out you were totally wrong?

I want to tell you about a time that I was absolutely convinced I was dying of a heart attack.

Blaire and I were in our early 20’s — our girls were little — and we were going on vacation. This was a big deal to us — because you know if you’ve been through that stage of life — you’re pretty much broke all the time, right?

We were working all the time — we didn’t have much — and we were trying to save all the money we could. I mean — I couldn’t afford to pay attention.

But we’d finally saved up enough money to go to the beach for a few days. And we were all excited. So I decided that we’d drive through the night to get to the Gulf Coast that way we could avoid all the traffic and the girls would sleep through most of the trip.

So we all loaded up and off we went into the night. The trip took FOREVER, but we finally got there — and as you can imagine — I was pretty exhausted. So Blaire took the girls down to the beach while I took a quick nap in our condo.

Me

Well, later that night — after everybody went to bed, I couldn’t fall asleep. And then I noticed my chest was kind of tight. And then it felt like I had this pain running down my left arm. So I did what anybody would do and I turned to the Internet to look up my symptoms.

And boy — that was a mistake. It was all but flashing in big letters that I needed to get to the emergency room stat.

So I woke Blaire up in a panic — we got the girls up and rushed to the ER.

Now — mind you — I was young — I’d never had any health problems at this point in my life. I was healthy. No signs of cardiac trouble. And after they hooked me up to all the machines and did all the tests — they came to the same conclusion — no heart attack.

So why in the world did I feel like I was dying?

Well — after I finally calmed down from all my hysterics — and talked to the medical staff — and did a little bit of hard thinking — I finally figured out my issue.

See, it turns out that if you have nothing but a steady diet of coffee and Mountain Dew for a 12 hour car ride — that tends to make your heart race, right?

And that pain running down my left arm? Yeah I fell asleep on the couch in the condo with my arm over my head — and I pinched a nerve!

Now what you guys have probably already started to figure out about me is that I can be pretty dramatic — and I don’t do anything in moderation — even having chest pains.

So not only did I need to go to bed — and stop sleeping with my arm over my head — but I also had to nurse a pretty bruised ego when they told me I needed to tone down my theatrics.

And I’m certainly glad that I wasn’t having heart problems — but my ego really didn’t like being told I was wrong.

We

But we all tend to live like this at times — don’t we? Maybe it’s not a health scare — but I’m certain there are times in your life where you’ve walked into a situation thinking you know exactly what the problem is and exactly how to fix it.

Maybe we think the problem is our finances. “If only I had more money — things would be better.”

Sometimes we think it’s our relationship. “If the other person would change — if they’d come back — if they’d forgive me — then I’d be whole.”

Maybe it is our health. “If only this sickness would leave — I’d finally have peace.”

And those are certainly real needs — but they aren’t always our deepest needs.

Here’s the truth — sometimes the things that feel the most urgent in our lives aren’t actually the most important. And Jesus cares enough to deal with what matters most — even if it’s not what we’re asking Him for.

God

This morning we’re starting a new sermon series called “Crossroads” — and over the next four weeks — we’re going to be looking at four accounts in the Book of Mark where people have Encounters with Jesus where they come to Him wanting a surface-level need to be met — but they walk away totally changed — healed — and whole.

For some of them — it looks like forgiveness.

For others — it looks like freedom.

For some — it’s salvation.

Today we’re going to be in Mark Chapter 2. If you’re new to the Bible — the Book of Mark is the second book in the New Testament, right after Matthew.

And where we’re picking up — Jesus has been teaching — and He’s come back to the city of Capernaum. Jesus returns — and word spreads fast. Take a look:

Exposition

vv. 1-2

Mark 2:1–2 NIV

A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them.

Picture it: you’re standing in a first-century standing-room-only crowd. And it’s packed so tightly you can barely breathe. Now mind you — Capernaum is a fishing village on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee. Now — in a fishing village — what are you gonna have? Fish, right? And fish stink.

And you know the only thing that stinks worse than fish? People who work with the fish. And so now — you and a zillion of your fishermen friends are packed tighter than sardines in this room — shoulder to shoulder — trying to hear — and see what Jesus is talking about. And they didn’t have air conditioning in the first century either.

People are shoulder-to-shoulder — they’ve got their faces pressed against the windows — and they’re craning their necks to try to hear.

And the people keep coming. Look at verse 3:

v. 3

Mark 2:3 NIV

Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them.

Man — this verse could be its own sermon.

Think about it: this man couldn’t get to Jesus on his own. He couldn’t walk. He couldn’t fight his way through the crowd. He couldn’t climb up the steps to get in. He was stuck — until four friends decided to carry him.

That’s what real love looks like.

It’s not just saying, “I’ll pray for you,” but it’s actually lifting somebody up.

It’s not just sympathizing with their pain — but moving Heaven and Earth to get them to Jesus.

This is Galatians 6:2 in action:

Galatians 6:2 NIV

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

These four friends literally carried their friend’s burden to the feet of Jesus.

And can I just say this? Everybody needs friends like that — and every disciple of Jesus is called to be a friend like that. This paralyzed man didn’t have strength or mobility — but he had something just as powerful: community. People wouldn’t stop until he was in front of Jesus.

WHO ARE WE CARRYING GRAPHIC

And here’s the challenge for us today, church. Who are we carrying? Who are we refusing to give up on until they meet Christ?

These four friends were willing to do whatever it took to get this man to Jesus — even vandalism. Look at verse 4:

v. 4

Mark 2:4 NIV

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.

Just imagine yourself here. Jesus is preaching. The crowd is packed… and suddenly — the roof starts breaking apart! Dust falls — and tiles slide — and now four guys are lowering their friend down right in front of Jesus.

Can you imagine what this poor homeowner is thinking!?

Talk about interrupting a sermon. Imagine somebody cutting a hole in the roof of the Worship Center right now. The Leadership Council would be losing it! And I’m not sure if our insurance policy covers something like that… and also I’m not trying to get fired… — so let’s just keep using the front door, shall we?

But these men didn’t care. They couldn’t get in the door. So they made their own.

And everybody in the room knows what’s about to happen. THey’ve seen Jesus heal before. They’re waiting for the words “Get up and walk.”

But that’s not what Jesus says. He does something even more shocking.

v. 5

Look at verse 5:

Mark 2:5 NIV

When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”

Now wait a second… forgiven? That’s not what they asked for. That’s not why they dug through the roof. The man came for healing — not forgiveness.

JESUS MEETS GRAPHIC

But here’s the uncomfortable truth: Jesus meets our deepest needs before He meets our obvious ones.

The man’s greatest problem isn’t his paralysis — it’s his sin. His legs can keep him from walking — but his sin can keep him from God. And Jesus cared enough to go to the root — not just take care of the symptom.

The friends bring the man for a physical miracle — but Jesus gives him a spiritual one.

But the scribes aren’t impressed. Take a look at what happens next:

vv. 6-7

Mark 2:6–7 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?”

Now — blasphemy — this isn’t a word we throw around a lot today. It simply means insulting God or claiming to be Him. And that’s exactly what they thought Jesus was doing.

So these scribes — the Pharisees — the “religious experts” — they’re furious! They’re exploding on the inside. They’re saying, “Who does this guy think He is?”

These two verses are a hinge on the whole story. Because they’re revealing both the scandal of Jesus’ words and the depth of His authority.

Notice here where the religious leaders are. They’re inside the house — sitting in the front row. While everybody else is standing up — shoulder-to-shoulder — these guys have claimed the best seats.

They’re kind of like the guys at a concert who sit in the VIP section — arms crossed — and judging the performance instead of enjoying the music.

These teachers of the law aren’t here to celebrate Jesus — they’re here to critique Him.

And so Jesus’ words here to this paralyzed man — they’re offensive to these guys!

Because forgiveness wasn’t just something you announced. In this Jewish world — forgiveness was granted through the priests in the temple. People had to bring sacrifices — and the priests acted as the go-between for people to connect with God.

But in this moment — Jesus topples this religious system — and He meets this paralyzed man right where he is. And when Jesus says the words, “You’re forgiven,” — the scribes immediately cry out “blasphemy!”

And here’s the irony: the scribes were half right.

They said, “Who can forgive sins but God alone?” And that’s true. Only God can forgive sins. But what they don’t realize is that in all of their judgement — and critique — they are staring into the eyes of God Himself.

See — by forgiving this man’s sins — Jesus isn’t just offering comfort — He’s claiming that He is God. He’s saying, “What you’ve always believed God can do, I’m here doing it — right now.”

Imagine the atmosphere: the crowd is hushed — watching the paralyzed man. The scribes are fuming — thinking Jesus is a liar.

See — the scribes got the theology right — but they missed the Savior standing right in front of them. And this is an important lesson for us, because we can be guilty of this too.

IT’S POSSIBLE TO KNOW GRAPHIC

It’s possible to know the Scriptures and still miss Jesus.

We should know what the Word of God says — but as followers of Jesus — we’re also called to see Him in action.

And Jesus is about to teach these guys a lesson:

v. 8

Mark 2:8 NIV

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 says Jesus knew in His spirit what they were thinking. See — this is another sign of Jesus’ divine authority. He doesn’t need anybody to whisper in His ear… He can read their hearts.

It’s kind of like when your kid walks in the room — and you don’t need them to say a word. You already know they’re guilty because the chocolate on their face tells the story, right?

This statement echoes what the Apostle John said about Jesus:

John 2:24–25 NIV

…for he knew all people. He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person.

This should’ve been a clue to the scribes: only God knows the hidden thoughts of the heart. And here Jesus is — calling them out word-for-word.

Back here in verse 8, Jesus asks:

Mark 2:8 NIV

…“Why are you thinking these things?

That’s a question of both exposure and invitation.

He’s not asking because He needs information — He’s exposing what’s really in their hearts. But He’s also inviting them to wrestle with what His words mean.

And He does the same thing with us. Sometimes Jesus asks questions not to learn something about us — but to reveal something within us. He’ll ask us things like:

“Why are you afraid?”

“Do you trust me?”

“Do you believe I can do the things I say I’ll do.”

See — Jesus doesn’t just hear our words — He knows our thoughts. These questions don’t come to shame us — they come to open our eyes to the power of Jesus working in us — and around us.

v. 9

So that’s the question — and here’s His challenge. Verse 9:

Mark 2:9 NIV

Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’?

Now this is a loaded question. On the surface — forgiving sins seems easier because it can’t be verified, right? Anybody can say it. But Jesus is about to show that He’s more than just words. He is the Word.

Healing can be tested. Either the man gets up — or Jesus is a fraud.

See, for Jesus to say, “Get up and take your mat and walk.” — That would cost Him energy.

But to say, “Your sins are forgiven.” — That’ll eventually cost Him His life.

So while the crowd is focused on healing — and the scribes are focused on what they believe to be blasphemy — Jesus is already pointing to the greater cost of forgiveness.

And here’s the dramatic tension: at this point — the whole house is holding its breath.

The scribes think they’ve caught Him.

The crowd is confused — “Why is He arguing about what’s easier?”

And the paralyzed man is still lying here — waiting.

And everything hangs on what Jesus will do next. The scribes saw blasphemy — but Jesus was about to show them authority.

vv. 10-11

Look at verse 10:

Mark 2:10–11 NIV

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.”

So Jesus could’ve let the controversy simmer. He could’ve healed quietly and avoided the conflict. But He doesn’t. He escalates it on purpose.

See — this miracle isn’t just about compassion — it’s also about confrontation. Jesus is saying, “I’m not hiding Who I am. I want you to know My authority.”

Jesus never performed miracles as empty displays of power. They were signs — visible demonstrations of visible truths. And this one points to His divine power to forgive sins.

This is also the first time in Mark’s Gospel that Jesus calls Himself the “Son of Man”. Now — this sounds humble — like He’s just saying, “I’m human.” But for the Jewish audience — it’s explosive. This points back to the prophecy about Him in the book of Daniel.

Look at Daniel 7:13-14

Daniel 7:13–14 NIV

“In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.

By using this title — Jesus claims to be that figure. When He says this — He’s claiming to fulfill Daniel’s vision — bringing God’s authority into the present moment — on earth — in this house — in front of this man.

And then He tells the man: “Take your mat and go home.”

This is where talk meets test. If He has authority — this man will walk. If He doesn’t — then the whole crowd — and the scribes especially — will know.

Notice here the command is direct and personal. Jesus doesn’t just pray for healing. He speaks it. He puts His authority into action. He tells him to get his mat and go home. Why is that?

It shows the healing is complete — no relapse — and no weakness.

And it silences any doubt — the mat that carried him out, is now going to be carried by him.

And now — it’s time. Imagine the tension in the room:

The scribes are glaring — waiting for Him to fail.

The crowd is wide-eyed… leaning forward.

The paralyzed man is flat on the mat — either seconds away from humiliation — or seconds away from history.

And in this moment — everything either collapses — or it changes forever.

v. 12

Look at verse 12:

Mark 2:12 NIV

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!”

The man doesn’t argue. He doesn’t hesitate. He doesn’t test his legs with a wobble. He got up. The same legs that were dead weight seconds ago are now alive with strength.

And he took his mat. Proof is in his hands. And he walked out in full view of them all. Not behind a curtain — not in secret — but right through the front door of the skeptics — the crowd — and the scribes — everybody!

And the house erupts: “We’ve never seen anything like this!”

That’s the right response. Because in this moment — Jesus hasn’t just healed a man — He’s revealed the Kingdom. He’s proven He has the authority to do what only God can do: forgive sins.

The crowd saw a man get up. But Heaven saw a man set free.

You

And that freedom is what makes this story so important. And because of that — we have to ask ourselves — where are we in this story?

Maybe you’re the paralyzed man — feeling stuck — and powerless — and weighed down by sin. Maybe you’re here today looking for relief — but Jesus is offerings something deeper: forgiveness.

Maybe you’re one of the four friends — carrying somebody you love to Jesus — refusing to give up — even when the crowd blocks the way. Don’t stop — and don’t give up. Keep tearing those roofs open.

Maybe you’re part of the crowd — close enough to hear Jesus — and curious about Him — but maybe not desperate enough yet to make a move. Here’s the danger of being in the crowd: we can be close enough to hear Jesus — but still not close enough to be changed by Him. We can sit in church every Sunday — hear sermons every week — and still walk away the same.

Or maybe — if we’re honest — sometimes we’re like the scribes. Arms crossed — heart skeptical — watching but not worshipping. We may not say it out loud, but inside we’re thinking, “Who does this Jesus think He is — telling me what to do?”

Every one of us here today are in this story somewhere. And every one of us stands at the same crossroad:

WILL WE WALK AWAY GRAPHIC

Will we walk away unchanged, or walk out forgiven?

We

Now imagine if we were a church full of roof-rippers.

A church where nobody tries to carry their mat alone because we’re carrying each other to Jesus.

A church where forgiveness is celebrated as the greatest miracle — not just answered prayers or quick fixes.

A church where the skeptical have their arms crossed one minute — and are on their knees praising God the next.

What if our community looked at us and said the same thing that crowd said that day: “We’ve never seen anything like this!”

That’s the vision: a people so convinced of Jesus’ ability not just to heal — but to forgive — that we don’t stop until everybody has had the chance to encounter Him.

Call to Repentance

And here’s the amazing thing: the paralyzed man didn’t earn forgiveness. He didn’t prove himself. He didn’t climb to the roof or crawl to Jesus. He was carried — laid at the Savior’s feet — and Jesus did the rest.

That’s the Gospel. We don’t bring our strength. We bring our weakness. We don’t bring our resume — we bring our sin. And Jesus says, “Your sins are forgiven.”

If that’s you today — don’t leave carrying the same mat of guilt and shame that you walked in with.

Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose from the grave to prove — once and for all — that He has the authority to forgive sins. And He offers that forgiveness to you — right here — right now.

So here’s the question, church: Will we walk out of here today unchanged? Or will we walk out forgiven?

Prayer

Communion