This lesson teaches children that Jesus has the power to forgive sins and heal people, and that he welcomes everyone who comes to him. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
Jesus can forgive our wrong things and make us well, and he is always glad when we come to him for help.
Memory Verse
Mark 2:5
Jesus, seeing their faith, said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.”
(WEB)
Have the children sit on the floor with their hands folded. When you say “forgiven,” have them open their hands wide, as if letting a heavy load drop onto the floor. Say the verse together three times, and open your hands each time you say the last word.
The Story: Mark 2 for Kids
Jesus went back to the town of Capernaum, and soon everyone heard that he was staying in a house there. So many people crowded in that there was no room left, not even by the door. Jesus began to teach them the good news about God.
Four friends came carrying a man who could not walk. He was lying on a mat. When the four friends reached the house, they could not get near Jesus because of the crowd. So they climbed up to the roof, made a hole in it, and lowered their friend down right in front of Jesus.
Jesus saw how much the friends believed he could help. He said to the man, “Your sins are forgiven.” Some teachers of the law were sitting there, and they thought in their hearts, “Only God can forgive sins. Why is this man talking like that?”
Jesus knew what they were thinking. He said, “Which is easier, to say your sins are forgiven or to tell you to get up and walk? So that you know the Son of Man has the power to forgive sins, get up, pick up your mat, and go home.” The man stood up right away, picked up his mat, and walked out in front of everyone.
All the people were amazed. They praised God and said, “We have never seen anything like this!” Later, Jesus saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at his tax booth. Jesus said to him, “Follow me.” Levi got up and followed Jesus.
Levi invited Jesus and his friends to eat at his house. Many tax collectors and people others called sinners came too. Some teachers of the law asked why Jesus ate with such people. Jesus answered, “People who are sick need a doctor. I came to call sinners to turn back to God.”
Read It Together
Mark 2:3-4
3 Four people came, carrying a paralytic to him. 4 When they could not come near to him for the crowd, they removed the roof where he was. When they had broken it up, they let down the mat that the paralytic was lying on.
(WEB)
Point out how much work the four friends did to bring their friend to Jesus. Ask the children what they might do to help a friend get close to Jesus, such as praying with them or inviting them to church.
Mark 2:10-11
10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic— 11 “I tell you, arise, take up your mat, and go to your house.”
(WEB)
Show the children that Jesus shows his power by healing the man and by forgiving his sins. Explain that Jesus does both things, and that his power to forgive is something only God has.
Mark 2:17
When Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
(WEB)
Point out that Jesus came for people who need help, not only for people who think they are already good. Remind the children that everyone needs Jesus, and that he welcomes them just as they are.
Talk About It
- How do you think the man felt when his friends carried him all the way to Jesus?
- Why did the teachers of the law think Jesus was wrong to say the man’s sins were forgiven?
- What does it tell you about Jesus that he could both heal and forgive?
- Who are some people you might invite to be your friend, the way Levi invited Jesus to dinner?
- What is one way you can tell Jesus you are sorry for something you did wrong?
Activity Ideas
Paper Roof Drawing
You will need paper, crayons, and tape. Have each child draw a house with a roof, then draw four stick-figure friends lifting a mat with a person on it. Let them cut a small hole in the roof and tape the mat picture underneath it. As they work, talk about how the friends refused to give up.
Carry Your Friend Game
You will need a blanket or large towel and a few soft toys or pillows. Have four children gently lift the blanket with a “friend” (a stuffed animal or pillow) on it and carry it across the room to a spot you name as “Jesus.” Let each child take a turn. Remind everyone that helping a friend take a hard step is a way of showing love.
Take-Home Forgiveness Jar
You will need a clear jar, paper scraps, and a pencil. Give each child a few scraps and have them write or draw one way they need forgiveness and one way they can forgive someone. They can place the scraps in the jar at home each evening. Encourage families to pray together over the jar once a week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that Jesus holds the authority of God to forgive sins, and that he proves it through a visible healing. It also shows that Jesus eats with people others rejected, which reveals the welcome God extends to everyone who turns to him. The four friends model persistent faith that brings others to Christ.
Avoid suggesting to children that a lack of healing or a hard situation means they lacked faith or were not forgiven. The passage shows Jesus’s power and mercy, but children should not be taught that every prayer for healing is answered in the same visible way.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank you that you can forgive our sins and make us well. Help us to be like the four friends who never gave up on helping someone come to you. Thank you that you welcome everyone who needs you. Please help us to tell you when we are sorry and to share your love with our friends. Amen.
