Guardians of Ancora Family Bible Planنموونە

JESUS FORGIVES AND HEALS

In this Bible story, Jesus has become famous for doing and saying amazing things. One day, important leaders and lawyers came to Jesus because they wanted to check what he was saying. There was such a crowd of people that others could not get near. What could they do?

Notice what doesn’t happen in this story. No one asks Jesus to heal the man. Jesus – the miracle worker – doesn’t do the obvious miracle first. Even the people who are arguing with him do not doubt his power to heal.

If you have heard the story before, have you discovered anything new about it?

If the story was new to you, what is the one big thought you are thinking about it now?

TALKABOUT

Can you find the ‘God moments’ in the story – the moments when you can see God in action? Perhaps when Jesus forgives the man? Or when the man stands up and walks? Would you like to have been there?

In your family, what sort of things happen that mean you need to forgive or be forgiven? Do you find it easy to forgive one another? Amazingly, Jesus didn’t even wait for the man to say sorry: he just gave him what he needed most. Is that something you could copy in your family this week?

TALK WITH GOD TOGETHER

Jesus forgave the man straight away. Is there anyone you need to forgive or want to forgive right now? Tell God about it, with words in your head, not out loud.

And then forgive them!

PLAYING GUARDIANS OF ANCORA

Switch on your game device, go to the Spire and select the Bible Quest: ‘Jesus Forgives and Heals’ (tap the ‘game-controller’ icon). If you have several devices, play the game at the same time. Or watch each other play, in turn.

When you take this Quest, you’re in Capernaum again, in a poor neighbourhood. Some people aren’t able to work, like a man we’re calling Rosh, who can’t walk. His friends want Jesus to heal Rosh – but they can’t get anywhere near him. Fabula, the storyteller from Ancora, will explain as you play.

As you play the game together, you’ll find many opportunities to chat naturally about God, the Bible, and the stories of Jesus. What is your favourite part of the story? Why do you like that part so much?