SMALL GROUP GUIDE
One Thing: “Faith Carries”
Scripture Focus: Mark 2:1-17
ICEBREAKER
What’s something memorable or even “crazy” a friend has done for you?
OR
What makes it easy—or difficult—for you to step in and help someone when they’re struggling?
INTRODUCTION
In Mark 2, we see a powerful picture of what fully alive faith looks like. When a group of friends brings a paralyzed man to Jesus, their faith is not passive—it is active, creative, and driven by love. Jesus responds not only to the man’s physical need, but also his deeper spiritual need, revealing His authority as the Son of Man. This passage reminds us that faith that pleases God is expressed in love—love that moves toward people, carries burdens, and brings others to Jesus.
INTO THE WORD
1. Faith That Moves Toward Others
Read Mark 2:1–5 & Galatians 6:2. What do these passages show us about the relationship between faith and love? What keeps us from taking similar initiative in helping others get to Jesus?
2. The Authority of Jesus
Read Mark 2:5–12, Colossians 2:13-14, and Daniel 7:13–14. Why do you think Jesus first addressed the man’s sins before healing him physically? How does Jesus’ authority as the “Son of Man” change the way we respond to Him?
3. Responding to Brokenness
Read Mark 2:15–17, John 5:6, and Romans 10:14–15. What are some different ways people respond to those who are hurting or broken? What does it look like to carry someone to Jesus in real, practical terms? How do we respond when someone doesn’t seem ready or willing to be healed?
4. Faith in Action
Read John 15:13, James 2:17, and Matthew 5:16. What does it mean for faith to move outward in love? Which comes most naturally to you: invite, give, serve, forgive, pray, make God known? What is one step of faith you sense God inviting you to take?
EMBRACE AND EMBODY
Faith is at the center of the life God desires for His people—it pleases Him, speaks with boldness, builds unity, and ultimately expresses itself through love. True faith is not quiet or isolated; it trusts God deeply, lives courageously, and draws others together around the gospel. As that faith takes shape, it becomes visible through love that moves toward others—carrying their burdens and pointing them to Jesus. This is the kind of faith that reflects God’s heart and makes Him known in the world.
Reflection Questions:
• Where do you see your faith being lived out most clearly right now—in boldness, unity, or love?
• Who might God be inviting you to intentionally love and carry toward Jesus this week?
TAKE YOUR NEXT RIGHT STEP
(Prayerfully consider one of the following next steps)
• Seek God Daily: Take time to radically pray for your Reaching Two as we approach Easter.
• Serve Others: Send an encouraging note or card to someone who needs healing and commit to praying for them regularly.
• Make God Known: As the Spirit leads you, share a story of God’s faithfulness and how that has impacted your own faith journey.
• Worship God: Spend time in reflection, awe, and praise—expressing gratitude that He has authority and dominion over all.
CLOSING PRAYER
Jesus, thank You for making it clear that You are not only capable of healing and redeeming Your people, but You are also willing and desire to. Help us to faithfully trust in Your timing, Your character, and Your ways—remembering that You have full authority over everyone and everything. And as we seek to please You, guide us so that we exercise faith that is bold, unified, and full of love. In Your name, Amen!
