Jesus Can Week 3: Get Up and Walk Message Summary: We often forget about our primary problem (sin) and our most needed solution (forgiveness). Jesus didn’t. His healing of a paralyzed man was a reminder about the purpose of his miracles, to point to his authority to forgive sins and thus solve our biggest problem in life. ✦ Matthew 9:1-2a — Jesus stepped into a boat, crossed over and came to his own town. 2 Some men brought to him a paralyzed man, lying on a mat. ✦ Matthew 9:2b — When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.” ✦ Matthew 9:3 — At this, some of the teachers of the law said to themselves, “This fellow is blaspheming!” ✦ Matthew 9:4-5 — Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, “Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts? 5 Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? ✦ Matthew 9:6-7 — But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the paralyzed man, “Get up, take your mat and go home.” 7 Then the man got up and went home. ✦ Matthew 9:8 — When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe; and they praised God, who had given such authority to man. Take heart, son/daughter, your sins are forgiven! • Your greatest need • Given and proven by Jesus • Praise God! Planting Jesus Roots GATHER — Do you typically leave worship feeling burdened by guilt or spiritually renewed? Why? (Discuss with a family member or a friend.) GROUP — With your Life Group, your family, or a friend share a time when you especially felt assured and comforted by God’s forgiveness. Ask several others to share as well. Take note of any commonalities. GROW — There are seven Psalms in the Bible that encourage repentance and seeking forgiveness from God. Over the next week, meditate on a different one each day: Psalms 6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, 143. GIVE — God forgives your sin – an incredible, generous gift! Meditate daily on Jesus’ generosity. How do you think doing so will affect your own generosity? GO — The Bible story we focused on today is memorable, emotional, and teaches us so much about Jesus. Who do you know that needs to hear this story? 1) Write down their name(s) now. When would be a good time to share it with them? 2) Write down the occasion now. 3) Do it! Homework: Matthew 14:13-21 (Hashtags: Paralyzed, FaithMadeWhole, SinForgiven, forgiveness, GetUpAndWalk)