Need to Know: I Can Show Love!

Need to Know: I Can Tell the Truth!

One day Jesus was teaching at a house in Capernaum. People filled the house, and many people stood outside. The people were there to hear Jesus teach and see Him help sick people. Four men had a friend who could not walk. The men had heard about Jesus and knew He could help. The friends decided to take their friend to Jesus. They picked up the corners of the mat on which their friend lay. The men carried their friend on his mat all the way to the house where Jesus was teaching. But too many people were in the way. The people would not move so the men could go inside the house to see Jesus. What now? The men saw steps leading up to the rooftop of the house. Up, up, up the steps the men walked. Then the men dug a hole in the roof. They carefully lowered their friend to the floor in front of Jesus. Jesus saw the man and said, “You are forgiven.” Then Jesus said, “Get up. Take your mat and go.” The man got up. He took a few steps. He could walk! “God is wonderful,” the man said. He picked up his mat and walked out of the house. Everyone was amazed at what had happened. The people praised God. “We have never seen anything like this!” they said.

MARK 1 When it was time for Jesus to begin teaching and preaching, He found John. Jesus asked John to baptize Him. Then Jesus went to the wilderness for 40 days. After these things took place, Jesus went to Galilee to begin telling people the good news that God sent Jesus to help people. As Jesus walked by the sea, Jesus saw two brothers, Simon and Andrew. They were fishermen. Jesus stopped and talked to the fishermen. Jesus said, “Come with Me.” The brothers dropped their nets and followed Jesus. Jesus and the brothers walked to a town. Two more brothers— James and John—decided to follow Jesus, too, and be His helpers. Jesus and the brothers went to the synagogue (church). Jesus began to teach. The people at the synagogue were amazed at Jesus’ teaching. Jesus made a sick woman well. The people in the town were again amazed that Jesus did this, so they brought their sick friends and family members to Jesus. People began to look for Jesus. Jesus’ helpers said, “Everyone’s looking for You.” So, Jesus kept on going to towns to teach about God and help people. Jesus cared about the people and loved them. Everywhere He went, Jesus served the people.