The Games We Played: Operation and Why Life Sometimes Needs More than a Quick Fix
July 12, 2026
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We’ve all played Operation — that classic tabletop game where the problems are obvious and the solutions are clear. If only real life were that simple. Pastor Ken continues our “The Games We Played” worship series in this message exploring Mark’s story of the paralytic and his four friends. When they can’t get through the crowd to reach Jesus, they tear open the roof and lower their friend down. Everyone expects Jesus to heal the obvious problem, the man’s paralysis. But Jesus does something unexpected: he addresses a deeper issue first. Jesus sees behind the visible to what’s hidden in our hearts, addressing not just the symptoms but the root issues that bring lasting transformation.
Sermon Reflections:
- In this week's message, Pastor Ken used the game Operation as the metaphor. In that game, the problems are obvious and labeled, but in real life our deepest woulds are often hidden. What are some of the hidden wounds or struggles that people often carry beneath the surface?
- Mark tells us that Jesus saw the faith of the paralytic's friends. How does this story challenge us to be better friends to those who are struggling?
- Sometimes what we think we need the most isn't actually what we really need the most. Can you think of a time when God addressed something deeper in your life than what you initially asked God to fix?
- David's prayer in Psalm 51 was, "Create in me a clean heart, O God", rather than asking God to fix his circumstances or reputation. Why is the condition of our heart more important than our external circumstances?
- A surgeon can't repair what she cannot access. What are some barriers we put up that prevent God from accessing the wounded areas of our hearts?
- Jesus sees all of our hidden wounds, failures, and shame — and, yet, he still loves us. How does this truth change the way we approach him with our deepest needs?