(this story can also be found in Matthew 9:1-8 and Luke 5:17-26)
This story is short enough that it does not need a summary. Simply read it from the Bible.
Here are some highlights, though:
Where is the most crowded place you've ever been? Some examples could be: a state fair, a major league sporting event, a subway in a busy city, Black Friday shopping, etc.
How did you feel? Were you able to get where you were going quickly?
Today, we're going to learn about a man who really needed to see Jesus, but he couldn't get to him because it was so crowded!
Read story from a Children's storybook Bible for younger children.
For older children, read the story from an age-appropriate Children's storybook Bible or read directly from the Bible.
Scripture for Kids to Read Aloud: Mark 2:1-12
First, ask the children if they have any questions about the story. What to do if you don't know the answer?
Scripture Some men came carrying a man who could not walk. He was lying on a mat. They tried to take him into the house to place him in front of Jesus. They could not find a way to do this because of the crowd. So they went up on the roof. Then they lowered the man on his mat through the opening in the roof tiles. They lowered him into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus. Luke 5:18-19
Supplies blankets, 4 adults or older children
Scripture Four of those who came were carrying a man who could not walk. Mark 2:3
Scripture Some men came carrying a man who could not walk. He was lying on a mat. They tried to take him into the house to place him in front of Jesus. Luke 5:18
Supplies fabric squares, popsicle sticks, glue, markers, string
Scripture Some men came carrying a man who could not walk. He was lying on a mat. They tried to take him into the house to place him in front of Jesus. They could not find a way to do this because of the crowd. So they went up on the roof. Then they lowered the man on his mat through the opening in the roof tiles. They lowered him into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus. Luke 5:18-19
Supplies supplies to make parachutes (plastic bags, fabric, card stock, thick napkins or paper towel, string, paperclips, eggs or small plastic men
Scripture I tell you," he said, "get up. Take your mat and go home." he man got up and took his mat. Then he walked away while everyone watched. All the people were amazed. They praised God and said, "We have never seen anything like this!" Mark 2:11-12
Supplies Standing man cut out
Scripture Four of those who came were carrying a man who could not walk. But they could not get him close to Jesus because of the crowd. So they made a hole in the roof above Jesus. Then they lowered the man through it on a mat. Mark 2:3-4
Supplies shoe box for each student, card stock, markers or crayons, string, hole punch.
Scripture But they could not get him close to Jesus because of the crowd. So they made a hole in the roof above Jesus. Then they lowered the man through it on a mat. Mark 2:4
Supplies Construction paper with slits cut, strips of different colored construction paper