Mark 2:1-12 “Why Jesus Called Himself the “Son of Man””

Suggested Praise Songs:

• Chris Tomlin – Jesus (Lyrics And Chords)
• Chris Tomlin – Who You Are To Me (Lyric Video) ft. Lady A
• Brandon Lake – TEAR OFF THE ROOF (Lyric Video)

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

• Jesus Heals a Paralyzed Man – Bible Lesson for Kids
• I Might Be Small | Preschool Worship Song
• Give it Away | Weird Animals VBS | Group Publishing
• Discussion Questions for Children
  • Intro: Have you ever needed help from a friend? What would you do if you saw someone who needed help but couldn’t?
    • Say: Today, we’re going to learn about four friends who went above and beyond to bring their paralyzed friend to Jesus—and how Jesus showed everyone that he’s not just a healer but the Savior sent by God.
  • For Preschool & Elementary:
    • What do you think it felt like to be the paralyzed man?
    • Why did his friends go to so much trouble to bring him to Jesus?
    • How did Jesus show he is more than just a healer?
  • For Youth:
    • Why do you think Jesus forgave the man’s sins before healing his body?
    • What does “Son of Man” mean, and why did Jesus use that title? (Read ‘Explanation’ and/or ‘Meditation’)
    • How can we show faith in action like the paralyzed man’s friends?

Explanation:

Sometime later, Jesus returned to Capernaum and stayed at a house (verse 1). When people heard he was there, a large crowd gathered until no room was left. Jesus taught them the Word of God (verse 2).

Meanwhile, four friends arrived carrying a paralyzed man (verse 3). Unable to get through the crowd, they climbed onto the roof, made an opening, and lowered their friend down in front of Jesus (verse 4). Houses at the time were built in a way that made this possible. These friends were desperate and determined to help their sick friend. As dust and pieces of the roof fell, the crowd may have reacted with frustration or shock. But Jesus saw their faith and said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven” (verse 5). Jesus knew that his illness was connected to his burden of guilt. Not all sickness is caused by sin, but in this case, Jesus addressed the man’s deeper need—healing from guilt and shame.

Jesus’ words shocked some religious leaders who were present there (verse 6). In their belief, only God could forgive sins (verse 7). Knowing what they were thinking (verse 8), Jesus asked, “Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat, and walk’?” (verse 9). Saying “Your sins are forgiven” might seem easier because no one could see immediate proof. But telling the man to get up and walk carried greater risk—if it didn’t happen, Jesus would lose credibility.

To show that he had the authority to forgive sins, Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “Get up, take your mat, and go home” (verse 11). The man immediately stood up, picked up his mat, and walked out in full view of everyone. The crowd was amazed and said, “We have never seen anything like this!” (verse 12).

In this passage, Jesus refers to himself as the “Son of Man” (ho huios tou anthrōpou). In those days, this phrase was sometimes used as a humble way of referring to oneself. Instead of saying, “I,” Jesus used “the Son of Man.” This title also pointed to something greater. In Daniel 7:13-14, the “Son of Man” is described as someone who comes with the authority of God to rule forever. By calling himself the “Son of Man,” Jesus hinted at his true identity as the Messiah—God’s chosen one who holds divine authority. For those who were spiritually aware, this was a subtle but powerful declaration.

Meditation:

In Mark’s Gospel, Jesus performs many miracles—healing the sick, casting out demons, and teaching with authority. People watching him began asking, “Who is this?” Jesus didn’t fit neatly into any category they knew. He wasn’t just a teacher, priest, or prophet. If he was more than these, then the only possibility was God. Greco-Romans believed that God could become humans and vice versa, but the Jewish people believed that there was a gap between God and humans that people could not cross. As Ecclesiastes 5:2 says, “God is in heaven, you are on earth.” Then who is this man?

Jesus challenged the people to their limits with this question by healing the paralyzed man. The Jewish people believed only God had the authority to forgive. People can forgive their own sins, but humans cannot remove the sin itself. A priest affirmed God’s forgiveness for a person after offering a sacrifice. However, the priest did not forgive sins but simply conveyed God’s forgiveness to the people. Yet here was Jesus forgiving the paralyzed man’s sins as though he had become God.

By forgiving the man’s sins and healing his body, Jesus revealed his true identity to those who had “eyes to see and ears to hear.” When Jesus called himself the “Son of Man,” he made a bold claim: that he had been given the authority to reign and save. This showed that he wasn’t a teacher or a prophet—he was the Savior, the Son of God.

People had to make a choice: believe that Jesus was who he said he was, or reject him as a fraud. Sadly, many religious leaders chose to reject him. They even plotted to kill him, believing he was dangerous. Yet, in God’s plan, their rejection led to the very sacrifice that would complete Jesus’ mission of salvation.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, the Son of God and our Savior, open the eyes of our hearts and the ears of our spirits so that we can truly know who you are. Help us to honor you as you deserve and serve you faithfully. We place our lives in your hands—use us according to your will. You are our eternal King. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.