18 Then behold, men brought on a bed a man who was paralyzed, whom they sought to bring in and lay before Him. 19 And when they could not find how they might bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the housetop and let him down with his bed through the tiling into the midst before Jesus. 20 When He saw THEIR faith, He said to him, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” 21 And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?”22 But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, He answered and said to them, “Why are you reasoning in your hearts? 23 Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise up and walk’? 24 But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—He said to the man who was paralyzed, “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” 25 Immediately he rose up before them, took up what he had been lying on, and departed to his own house, glorifying God.
Luke 5:18-25
Q & A：
- Discuss if you think that God is the source of our tribulation and persecution, who is angry with us and wants to punish us with sufferings for our sins. Explain how is our God good by referencing to scriptures on What He has done for us and promised us. (Luke 5:18; Nah 1:7; Jam 1:16-17; Rom 8:35)
- From the parable of the seed sown on different ground, explain the implication on how the devil tries to steal the word that has been sown into our hearts by throwing tribulation and persecution in our paths to make us stumble. Discuss if God will test or tempt you and what are the situations where God has tested you or put you in a trial to strengthen your faith or mold your character. (Mark 4:15-18; Gen 22:2; Jam 1:2-3)
- How can you know whether it is a trial, tribulation or persecution by referencing to living out a consecrated life and a sanctified life? From the story of the faith-filled friends who brought the paralyzed man to Jesus, what lessons have you learnt to get out of the tribulation that you or your friends are facing? (Luke 5:18-20, 24-25; Matt 8:8; Heb 11:1; 2 Cor 5:7)