Mark 2 · Grade 4
Who Can Forgive Sins?
Read and Think
When Jesus returned to Capernaum, so many people gathered that there was no room, even at the door. Four men carrying a paralyzed friend could not get near, so they removed part of the roof and let him down on his mat. Seeing their faith, Jesus said, "Son, your sins are forgiven you."
Some scribes reasoned in their hearts that this was blasphemy, because only God can forgive sins. Jesus knew their thoughts. To show that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins, He told the man to arise, take his mat, and go home. The man did so in front of everyone, and they glorified God, saying, "We never saw anything like this!"
Jesus called Levi, a tax collector, and ate with tax collectors and sinners. When the Pharisees complained, Jesus said He came to call sinners. He explained that His disciples did not fast while He, the bridegroom, was with them, and that new wine needs new wineskins. When accused of breaking the Sabbath, He said the Sabbath was made for people, and that the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.
Show What You Know
How did the four friends show their faith?
Why did the scribes think Jesus was blaspheming?
How did Jesus prove He had authority to forgive sins?
What did Jesus say about the Sabbath?
Word Bank Fill-In
Use the word bank to fill in each blank.
- When returned to Capernaum, so many people gathered that there was no room, even at the door.
- Four men carrying a paralyzed could not get near, so they removed part of the roof and let him down on his mat.
- Some scribes reasoned in their hearts that this was blasphemy, because only God can sins.
- To show that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins, He told the man to arise, take his , and go home.
- Jesus called , a tax collector, and ate with tax collectors and sinners.
Think About It
The four friends would not give up. Who could you carry to Jesus through prayer or kindness?
Why do you think Jesus forgave the man's sins before healing his body?
Memory Verse
“But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic—”
Mark 2:10 (WEB)
Copy It
Prayer
Dear God, thank You for this Bible story. Help me to . Amen.
Take It Home
For families: talk about these together.
- Levi left his tax booth right away when Jesus called him. What might Jesus be calling you to leave behind to follow Him?
- The crowd was amazed and said they had never seen anything like this. When have you been amazed by what God can do?
Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org. © 2026 The Daily Rooted. Free to print and copy for church and home use; not for resale. Original line art.