March 2, 2025
Forgive Me?
Pastor Ricky Smith

Sermon Notes

Mark 2:1-12
And when he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. 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. And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. 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. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, “Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 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? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your bed and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic— “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.” 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!”

I. We Should Bring the Hurting to Jesus

II. We Should See Jesus for Who He Truly Is

III. We Should Glorify Jesus for What He Does

Forgiveness and freedom from sin are available to you today!

Next Steps

• I confess my sin and turn to Jesus as King for the first time.
• I confess that I am consumed by guilt over my sin and desire for freedom.
• I commit to share Jesus with ______ this week.

Deep Dive

1. Read Mark 2:1-12. What can we learn from the example of these friends who genuinely cared?
2. How can we model this friendship in our commitment to make disciples?
3. The lame man’s forgiveness led to action. How does shame prevent us from obeying God?

Springboards

1. Who are your best friends, and why? Does the people you spend time with define who you are?
2. Read Mark 2:13-17. How did Jesus demonstrate priority for non-Christian friends?
3. How can you apply Jesus’ example while maintaining your spiritual integrity?