For Kids · 4 min with a grown-up
Four friends are determined to get their friend who can't walk to Jesus — and they come up with the most surprising plan.
Today's Story
Jesus was teaching inside a house, and it was PACKED. People were squished in the doorway and spilling out into the street. There was no room left at all.
Four friends came carrying a man who couldn't walk, lying on a mat. They wanted Jesus to heal him — but they couldn't get anywhere near the door!
So they had a wild idea. They carried their friend up onto the flat roof of the house, and they dug a hole right through it! Then they carefully lowered their friend down on his mat, right in front of Jesus.
Jesus looked up and smiled at their faith. First He said something surprising: “Your sins are forgiven.” (Some grumbled — only God can forgive sins!) Then Jesus said, “So you'll know I have God's power — get up, take your mat, and go home!”
And the man stood right up! He rolled up his mat and walked out through the amazed crowd. Everyone was stunned. “We've never seen anything like this!” they said, praising God.
Four friends wouldn't give up. They got their friend to Jesus, no matter what — and Jesus did what only He could do.
A Big Word
Memory Verse
Talk About It
- The four friends did whatever it took to get their friend to Jesus. Who is someone you could “bring to Jesus” by praying for them or inviting them?
- The friends didn't give up when the door was blocked — they found another way. When something's hard, how can we keep trying?
- Jesus forgave AND healed the man. What's something only Jesus can do?