In Mark chapter 2 we read about Jesus healing a man who was lowered through a roof. As a child I’ve heard and read this text multiple times, it’s a favorite among pastors. Whether this story came up in my own reading or from the pulpit in typical form, I tuned out.
Then a few months ago, my pastor taught with a new perspective that brought me so much freedom in how I saw relationships, my work, and sharing Christ’s salvation for us.
This narrative holds a few lessons for us today:
1. The Power of Community: The paralyzed man’s healing journey begins with the unwavering support and determination of his friends. Their actions exemplify the importance of standing by one another in times of adversity.
Without community this man would not have had the opportunity to know Jesus was in town nor would he have been able to get to Jesus. Yes, much of our hurt (especially in today’s church) is experienced in community. That is because people are sinful, that includes everyone! We do and say dumb things all the time that hurt. In our hurt, we tend to turn away, and in our turning, we lose out on the opportunity to experience miracles.
2. Faith in Action: The friends’ faith moved them to take the paralyzed man to Jesus. is not merely theoretical but manifests in practical actions. Their willingness to think outside the box and overcome obstacles reflects a deep trust in Jesus’ ability to bring about transformation.
As a mediator and relationship coach, I’ve come to believe that there is ALWAYS a way. Seeking different solutions to problems takes time and effort and often requires us to do difficult things. (My husband and I waited for six-months to purchase our home because we saw things differently which meant living in an 8oosqft apartment for 3 adults.) In Mark, we see that the paralytic’s friends were willing to do anything it took to help his friend to get in front of Jesus. That took creativity, inconvenience, and bravery.
3. Jesus’ Compassion and Authority: Jesus’ response to the paralyzed man highlights both his compassion for those in need and his divine authority. He not only addresses the man’s physical ailment but also extends forgiveness, addressing the deeper spiritual dimension of his condition.
Here is the life-giving part for us. The pastor’s point with this passage was this, all we need to do is bring people to Jesus. I hope this perspective gives you the same freedom as it did me. I can bring people to the feet of Jesus through prayer, I can invite them to an Easter Celebration service, or a ‘theology on tap’ (a favorite event for Catholics), and have the faith that the Holy Spirit will do the work.
The only thing we need to do is have faith that Jesus, saves! We don’t need all the answers, but we do need to put ourselves out there to creatively get people in front of Jesus so he can do the work. Let that soak in for a bit and see how it changes how you approach your sick child or neighbor who needs Jesus’ healing and forgiveness today.
