Getting to Jesus

Questions for Reflection

Read Luke 5:17-26

• Take a moment to imagine the life circumstances of the paralyzed man. From what you know about first-century Israel, describe a snapshot of his life.
• Luke says in verse 20 that “When Jesus saw their faith, he said, ‘Friend, your sins are forgiven.’” How was the friends’ faith connected to the man’s spiritual and physical healing? How does Jesus link faith with God’s power?
• Jesus poses a question in verse 23, comparing the power needed to perform a physical healing vs. a spiritual healing. How would you answer that question? What was Jesus trying to communicate through posing that question?
• In what ways are we metaphorically paralyzed, just like the man in this story? What are the things that keep us from finding Jesus? Pastor Chuck mentioned our education (thinking that we know everything), medical and economic issues, our political allegiances, our racialized sin. What obstacles get in the way of you being able to see Jesus?
• Pastor Chuck said that one of the ways we can help others know Jesus is through listening to them. Why is listening so hard for us? What keeps us from being good listeners? How can you listen better to a friend this week? How can you listen to someone on the margins this week?

If you would like to join or lead a small group, or have questions about small groups, please contact Pastor Annie via e-mail at or call 626.817.4876.