GRADE 8 CRE MIRACLES OF JESUS – HEALING OF THE PARALYTIC Notes
CRE: Miracles of Jesus — Healing of the Paralytic
Subtopic: Healing of the Paralytic ✝️
Target age: 13 years (class level: Junior secondary / Primary upper)
1. Bible reference
Read Mark 2:1–12 (also Luke 5:17–26 and Matthew 9:1–8).
2. Story in short (easy to remember)
Where: Capernaum (Jesus was teaching in a house).
What happened: A man who could not walk was brought by his friends. The house was so full that they could not get in. The friends went up on the roof, made a hole and lowered the paralytic down in front of Jesus.
Jesus' response: He first told the man, "Your sins are forgiven." Some leaders were angry in their hearts. Jesus knew their thoughts and said a second time, "Get up, take your mat and go home." The man stood up and walked — people were amazed and praised God.
3. Main characters
- Jesus — teacher and healer
- The paralytic — the man who could not walk
- The four friends — showed faith and determination
- Religious leaders — some doubted or were angry
4. Important lessons (for life in Kenya)
- Power of community: The friends worked together and did a brave thing to help. In Kenya, we also help each other — like supporting someone to hospital or helping a neighbour.
- Faith matters: Jesus praised the faith of the friends. Faith in God can lead to help and hope.
- Jesus cares for whole person: He healed physically and spoke about forgiveness. God cares for our bodies and our hearts.
- Authority of Jesus: He showed authority to forgive sins and to heal — people were amazed and gave glory to God.
- Action and courage: Sometimes we must be creative and bold to help others (like those friends who climbed the roof).
5. Memory verse
"When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, 'Son, your sins are forgiven.'" — Mark 2:5
6. Questions for class discussion
- Why do you think the friends did not give up when the house was full?
- What is more important in the story — the healing or the forgiveness? Why?
- Can you think of a time when friends helped each other in your community or church?
- How can we show faith and help others at school or at home?
7. Short class activities (simple and fun)
- Role-play (10–15 min): Act the story. One student is the paralytic, four are friends, one is Jesus, others are crowd. Show the roof scene with a chair as a “mat”.
- Drawing task (10 min): Draw the scene where friends lower the man through the roof. Display drawings on the classroom wall.
- Group talk (5–10 min): In small groups, list ways students can help someone in need at home, school, or church.
- Prayer circle (5 min): Pray for the sick and for courage to help others.
8. Example prayer (lead in class)
Dear God, thank you for Jesus who heals and forgives. Help us to be good friends like those who helped the paralytic. Give us courage to serve and faith to trust you. Heal those who are sick in our families and communities. Amen. 🙏
9. Quick recall (for the teacher)
Key words students should remember: Paralytic, faith, friends, forgiveness, heal, Jesus' authority.
Note: Connect the lesson with local life — visiting the sick at the health centre, helping neighbours during rainy season, or supporting a friend with schoolwork. Encourage kindness and active faith in everyday situations. 🌍🇰🇪