16.2 Conflict and argument (Stories and how they cause conflict)

Question 1

STORY Mark 2: 1-12

The paralysed man

Answer 1

• Jesus had started to gather a large following- some heard he could cure the sick and were curious. Religious leaders started to spy on Jesus- at the time it was believed that diseases were a sign that the person was a sinner
• Some men carried a paralysed man to Jesus’ house- he saw their faith and said: “Son, your sins are forgiven”
• The teachers of the Law thought Jesus was blaspheming: “Who can forgive sins but God alone?”
• Jesus knew their thoughts and asked which was easier- your sins are forgiven or get up and walk but then: “that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on Earth to forgive sins… I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home”
• The paralytic was healed which amazed everyone

Question 2

CONFLICT +
SIGNIFICANCE
paralysed man

Answer 2

• Only God had the authority to forgive sins (the religious leaders would have spent years studying the Torah and would have seen blasphemy)
• He was not the son of God- son of man was an insult to God indicating he was partly human
• Went against Jewish Law by committing blasphemy
• Showed up the teachers of the Law
• God is not punishing disabilities
• Reassuring- we learn that if we have faith our sins will be forgiven - shown by Jesus recognising the mans faith
• Links to the sacrament of anointing the sick
• Shows a link between spiritual healing and physical healing