Begin with 2 minutes of silence and stillness before God.

Who remembers Six Flags Over New Orleans? I loved that place. I loved the rides and the atmosphere. I loved having fun with my friends. It was a fantastic place. It was a go-to place for our church youth group. Anytime our youth pastor wanted to take us somewhere fun, Six Flags was always brought up, and I was always excited. That was until…

One year on a school field trip, we went to Orlando for a convention. We had competitions and different events to attend, but one of those days was a “free day.” As part of our free day, our teachers took us to Disney World Magic Kingdom. I had never been to Magic Kingdom before, but I had a pretty good idea of what to expect. After all, I had been to Six Flags over New Orleans, what could be different or more magical? I’m sure many of you are already laughing at my young mind equating Six Flags and Disney World, but that’s what I expected.

When I arrived, it was like I encountered something I never knew was possible. The atmosphere, the sights, the smells - even the cleanliness was out of this world! It was so immersive in every way. I experienced something so spectacular, far better than the expectations I previously had. From then on, I liked and enjoyed Six Flags, but there was no comparison to Disney World.

In the first story in Mark 2, we see some friends bringing their paralyzed friend to Jesus in faith that He would be healed and be able to walk again. They believed it so much that they lowered him from the roof of the building that Jesus was in. Just to get him in the presence of Jesus. Jesus saw their faith, turned to the paralyzed friend, and said, “Your sins are forgiven.” He didn’t initially heal him physically, He healed him spiritually. Something far greater than he or his friends imagined. He and his friends came expecting Six Flags and got Disney World! Jesus knew far more about what was most important, and that was this man’s spiritual health. But it was the man’s physical health that brought him into the presence of Jesus. I’m so thankful that God knows our needs more than what we think we need.

Reflections:

• What is it that you are praying for that is drawing you closer to Jesus?
• Are you allowing Him to heal you spiritually in the midst of what brought you to Him?

Take 2 minutes to reflect in silence.

Family Application: Mark 2

Author: Anna Overstreet

How many of you have a best friend or a great group of friends? Now how many of you love to give good gifts to them? Mark 1:1-12 contains one of the best stories ever told about friendship and giving good gifts. What I love about this story is it actually happened! It wasn’t a parable that Jesus told to teach a bigger lesson, even though many lessons were learned that day. We will discover one last “Bible Study Tip” today to explore these important scriptures.

Bible Study Tip #5

• When you have to learn something new, try teaching it!
• Imagine you have to teach this passage to a group that has never heard the story before.
• Identify the main characters and the main events of the story.
• Always look for deeper or spiritual meanings in the passages.
• Re-tell or teach the story in your own words, but make sure you don’t change the meaning of anything that happened that day.

Something to note about this story and how you could apply it to your own life is that the type of friend you are and who you choose as a friend matters. “When Jesus saw THEIR faith, He said to the paralyzed man, 'Son, your sins are forgiven.'” Mark 2:5. Their personal faith in Jesus is what led to their friend’s miraculous healing. May we always keep our faith strong and be willing to do anything to get others to Jesus.

• Prayer: Lord, thank You for this incredible story about friendship. Help me to be brave and bold when it comes to helping others in need. Most of all Lord, help my faith to be big enough to lead those I love to Your feet. Thank You for healing this man and for crediting his friend’s faith for the miracle He provided. You are so amazing and kind to those who love You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.