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Four Friends and the Roof

Bible passage: Mark 2 · Ages 6 to 8 · New Testament

Paraphrase Jesus was teaching inside a small house. It was so full that no one else could squeeze in.

Paraphrase Four friends were carrying another friend on a mat. He could not walk, and they wanted Jesus to help him.

Paraphrase But they could not get through the door. What could they do?

Paraphrase They had an idea. They climbed up onto the roof, and carefully made an opening.

Paraphrase Slowly, they let their friend down on the mat, right in front of Jesus.

Paraphrase Jesus saw how much the friends cared. He said to the man, Get up, take your mat, and go home.

Paraphrase The man stood up and walked out, carrying his own mat. Everyone was amazed and gave thanks to God.

From the Bible (King James Version)

Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.
Mark 2:11 (KJV, excerpt)

Let us wonder

What did the friends do to help?

One small thing to do

Think of a friend who needs help. How could you help them?

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Retold in simple words (a paraphrase), so it is not the Bible’s own text. The read-aloud voice is computer-made. Jesus is never shown with a face. Nothing you do here is saved or sent anywhere.

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