<BACK

Jesus Heals the Paralyzed Man

Teacher's Guide - this is just one possible lesson plan.  Visit the Jesus Heals the Paralyzed Man Bible Lesson Plan Section for further ideas to supplement this.

Introduction:

This lesson will help reinforce that Jesus knows what we need the most.  The paralyzed man desperately wanted to be able to walk but Jesus first forgave him for his sins and then he healed him.  God can see things that others can't see, like how we are doing on the inside.  God would rather help us fix problem with our sin (or things that we do wrong that prevents us from being closer to Him) then answer prayers that we think we need.  God knows best!

The message:  

Preschool thru Grade 1: God knows what's best for us!
  
Grades 2 and 3: God knows what we need before we do.

I've split this message into two separate ones depending on the age level.  For the younger children, the message is simple:  God knows what's best for us!  For the older children, we expand on this message and say that God knows what we need before we do.  Sometimes when we pray to God for things or areas in our life we wonder why God doesn't seem to answer.  Maybe ask God to reveal to them what He would like us to work on and those prayers will be answered.

Make sure you repeat the message many times during the lesson.  Send the Jesus Heals the Paralyzed Man Take Home Sheet  home with the children to encourage parents to reiterate the message during the week.  It includes a poster at the bottom that the children can color and hang on their wall or refrigerator. 

Preview of the lesson:

Some people like to do craft time first and story time second and some like to switch it around.  I like the first option, myself.

Always consider offering Jesus Coloring Pages  for children who aren't interested in participating in the group activity (or if you get done the group activities very quickly and need something to fill in the spare time).  Everyone has a need for "alone time" once in awhile.  Also, sending home the coloring pages with the Take Home sheet provides parents with much needed help in reinforcing the lessons.  You can make a nice little booklet each week with the take home sheet on top -- I promise that most parents will appreciate the effort! 

Description	Time Allotted	Supplies
Welcome!   Receive name tags.  Have the children use crayons, markers, yarn, feathers and whatever other materials (such as sparkle glue) that you have available to personalize their name tag. Sing the Learning our Names song	10 to 15 minutes	Heart name tags, scissors (or adults can precut)crayons, markers, yarn, safety pins or tape.
Craft time! All ages: Make the Mexican Place Mat.  This place mat is a perfect reminder of the story!  The paralyzed man was brought in lying on it and left with it rolled up in his hands.  Put the memory verse Mark 2:10-11 on it.  Use a smaller piece of paper and less colors for younger children.	15 to 30 minutes  depending on your adult/child ratio	All Ages:  Mexican Place Mat template. scissors, ruler, glue, pencil, 18"x12" construction paper, 16 strips of different colored construction paper.
Bible Story: Preschool thru Grade 1:  Read The Story of Jesus Heals the Paralyzed Man (or read from your own store bought children's bible).    Grades 2 and 3:  It's tough to know when it's the right time to start readings from the Bible, but if the children have been read a children's version of the story in the past, I believe this is a good age to introduce the King James (or your preferred) bible reading.	10 minutes	The Jesus Coloring Pages can be distributed to the children so they are able to color at home, or during the story.
Closing: Preschool thru Grade 1: depending on the time remaining ask the children what a miracle is.  What two miracles did Jesus perform for the paralyzed man?  Why is it important to be forgiven?  Discuss what kind of things we need forgiveness for and how each one of us can pray for forgiveness. Grade 2 and 3:  depending on the time remaining allow the children to discuss the two miracles Jesus performed.  Which one was more important?  Ask the children what are some things they can ask  forgiveness for?  By asking for forgiveness we are allowing Jesus to do a miracle in us and we can grow in our relationship with him. Standard ending song:  for example We love to learn together,  together, together We love to learn together And give thanks to God. substitute "learn" for sing, pray, etc (to the tune of The More We Get Together)	5 to 15 minutes	Brainstorm Board (chalkboard, whiteboard, poster board,...)           Words to: standard ending song