Jesus Heals the Paralytic

Dr. Connor Bales

Sermon Title: Personal Faves — Mark 2: Jesus Heals The Paralytic

Series intro: “Personal Faves” – stories from Scripture that have personally shaped Dr. Bales’ faith journey.
This message centers on the healing of the paralytic in Mark 2—also found in Matthew 9 and Luke 5.
Personal connection: As a father to two daughters with profound disabilities, Dr. Bales relates deeply to this moment of suffering and divine healing.
Reminder: Suffering is not the same for everyone, but it is something everyone shares because of the brokenness caused by sin.

Jesus returns to Capernaum and the house fills beyond capacity—people came because they saw God’s activity.
Application to Quail: “We won’t chase crowds; we’ll chase the God who draws them.”

Four friends carry the paralyzed man, remove the roof, and lower him down.
This likely cost them time, resources, and reputation—but they believed it was worth it.
Question for the church: Are we willing to be that inconvenienced to get others to Jesus?

Jesus sees the faith of the friends and the man on the mat.
- “Their faith” includes all five men—it took trust and boldness to act.
- The paralytic had to be willing to go along with such a disruptive plan.
At the same time, Jesus sees the inward skepticism of the scribes.
- They’re not speaking out loud, but Jesus perceives their hearts.
We often obsess over how things look—our struggles or our successes.
- But Jesus isn’t distracted by the external or impressed by it.
Illustration: The Ford Bronco that looked great on the outside but ran poorly because the engine—the inside—was neglected.
- We often focus on our paint, tires, or stereo… but God sees the engine.

Jesus forgives the man’s sins first, then heals him physically.
- This shows His priorities: our eternal need comes before our earthly comfort.
While Jesus absolutely cares about our suffering, He died for our salvation.
- He would have still been good if He only forgave the man’s sins.
- But He proves His authority and love by healing both the inside and the outside.
Application for parents: Don’t elevate temporary success (grades, sports, scholarships) above your child’s eternal condition.
- We must lead them to Jesus, not just a better resume.
Quote from Joni Eareckson Tada: “Jesus hung on a cross so that His dearly beloved would never suffer hell—not so they wouldn’t suffer here on earth.”

When the man was healed, “he rose… picked up his bed… and went out before them all.”
Everyone watching “was amazed and glorified God.”
Worship is the only fitting response when we’ve experienced God’s grace.
- For the healed man, it was public and undeniable.
- For the crowd, it led to awe and praise—even if they didn’t personally receive the miracle.
Personal application: If God has saved you, healed your marriage, or called your child to faith—how can you not worship?
- Don’t let indifference rob God of the glory He deserves.
Illustration: After the Student Choir Mission Trip, the church celebrated 102 salvations—an example of a moment that compels worship and gratitude.

Two closing questions:

Before asking Jesus for physical healing, have you trusted Him for the healing of your soul?
- Clear gospel invitation: Romans 3:23, 6:23, 5:8, 10:9–13.
If you’re suffering today, have you begun to believe the lie that God has forgotten you?
- Maybe someone’s “ripping the roof off” to help bring you back to Jesus today.

Final Encouragement: