Week of April 6-12, 2025
QUICK REVIEW: Looking back at your notes from this Sunday’s message, what part of the message had your name on it? What encouraged you? What challenged you?
LET’S GO DEEPER
- Read Mark 2:1-12. Describe the faith of the friends carrying the paralytic. What did they believe about Jesus?
- The paralyzed man’s friends went to great lengths to bring him to Jesus. What does this teach us about the kind of friends we should surround ourselves with?
- Consider the impact your closest friends have on you. Do your closest friends bring you closer to Jesus or take you further from Jesus? Is there anything you need to change about who you spend the most time with?
- The friends didn’t let the crowd stop them. Instead, they got creative and found another way to bring their friend to Jesus. What obstacles sometimes keep us from seeking Jesus for ourselves or helping others come to Him?
- What did the friends see as the paralytic’s greatest need? What did Jesus see as his greatest need? How should this guide our prayers and response to people in need?
- We may not carry physical mats for our friends today. But how can we still be “mat carriers” for others?
CHALLENGE
Think of one person in your life who needs encouragement or to experience Jesus’ love. This week, take an intentional step—whether through prayer, an act of kindness, or sharing your faith—to help bring them closer to Jesus.
PRAY
Close in prayer, thanking God for the friends, faith, and forgiveness He provides. Ask Him to help you be bold in overcoming obstacles and bringing others to Him.
