MARCH 9 - JESUS IN CAPERNAUM
READ Mark 2
Mark tells of Jesus’ early ministry in Capernaum.
INSIGHT
When a paralyzed man is brought to Jesus, He says, “Son, your sins are forgiven you” (Mark 2:5). The scribes are incensed. No one can forgive sin but God, and they do not believe that Jesus is God. In response, Jesus says, “Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Arise, take up your bed and walk’?” (Mark 2:9). Of course, it is easier to say that your sins are forgiven. After all, who can verify if it is true? So, to prove that He is God and has the power to forgive sins, Jesus says to the paralytic, “Arise, take up your bed and go your way to your house” (Mark 2:11). Jesus’ miracles are often timed strategically to demonstrate the validity of a central truth which He is teaching.
PRAYER
Rejoice in the fact that Jesus will forgive your sins, and offer Him praise:
Lord, there is no one like you.
You are great;
your name is great in power.
Who should not fear you,
King of the nations?
It is what you deserve.
For among all the wise people of the nations
and among all their kingdoms,
there is no one like you (Jeremiah 10:6-7).
Hallelujah!
Happy is the person who fears the Lord,
taking great delight in his commands
(Psalm 112:1).
Pause for personal praise and thanksgiving. As you seek to keep your life free from sin, pray this confession:
Against you—you alone—I have sinned
and done this evil in your sight.
So you are right when you pass sentence;
you are blameless when you judge
(Psalm 51:4).
As you contemplate the Lord’s mercy, confess any sins which the Holy Spirit brings to your mind. Now pause to pray this affirmation to the Lord:
I shall know the truth, and the truth shall make me free (Based on John 8:32).
As you make your requests known to the Lord, pray for:
Offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
But as for me, God’s presence is my good.
I have made the Lord God my refuge,
so I can tell about all you do (Psalm 73:28).
Mark tells of Jesus’ early ministry in Capernaum.
INSIGHT
When a paralyzed man is brought to Jesus, He says, “Son, your sins are forgiven you” (Mark 2:5). The scribes are incensed. No one can forgive sin but God, and they do not believe that Jesus is God. In response, Jesus says, “Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Arise, take up your bed and walk’?” (Mark 2:9). Of course, it is easier to say that your sins are forgiven. After all, who can verify if it is true? So, to prove that He is God and has the power to forgive sins, Jesus says to the paralytic, “Arise, take up your bed and go your way to your house” (Mark 2:11). Jesus’ miracles are often timed strategically to demonstrate the validity of a central truth which He is teaching.
PRAYER
Rejoice in the fact that Jesus will forgive your sins, and offer Him praise:
Lord, there is no one like you.
You are great;
your name is great in power.
Who should not fear you,
King of the nations?
It is what you deserve.
For among all the wise people of the nations
and among all their kingdoms,
there is no one like you (Jeremiah 10:6-7).
Hallelujah!
Happy is the person who fears the Lord,
taking great delight in his commands
(Psalm 112:1).
Pause for personal praise and thanksgiving. As you seek to keep your life free from sin, pray this confession:
Against you—you alone—I have sinned
and done this evil in your sight.
So you are right when you pass sentence;
you are blameless when you judge
(Psalm 51:4).
As you contemplate the Lord’s mercy, confess any sins which the Holy Spirit brings to your mind. Now pause to pray this affirmation to the Lord:
I shall know the truth, and the truth shall make me free (Based on John 8:32).
As you make your requests known to the Lord, pray for:
- Greater commitment to walk in the ways of the Lord
- Blessings on the work of a specific Christian ministry
- Your activities for the day
Offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
But as for me, God’s presence is my good.
I have made the Lord God my refuge,
so I can tell about all you do (Psalm 73:28).
A Dogwood Church Discipleship Ministry Resource. © Walk Thru the Bible 2026.