FAITH’S ACTION SEEN (Hebrews Chapter 11)
FAITH’S ACTION SEEN (Hebrews Chapter 11)
And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, “Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you question these things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your bed and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic— “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.” And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this! —Mark 2:3-12
What love, dedication and faithfulness these four men showed to their friend. They were so concerned for his welfare and knew Jesus could impact their friend’s life in a powerful way. So when they knew where Jesus was they brought their friend to Him. They carried him there! We are not told the distance, but they were committed to transporting their friend into Jesus’ presence.
Parallel passages to the Mark portion above (Matthew 9:1-9; Luke chapter 5:17-26) tell us the obstacles that these four friends had to overcome to bring their friend to Jesus. They could enter the door because of the crowd. They brainstormed and came up with an unconventional plan. They carried their friend up the outside stairs to the roof. Then they opened up the roof enough to lower their friend down in front of Jesus. This took some strategic planning. These friends did not let difficulties keep them from what was best for their friend— to be in the very presence of Jesus.
These men’s faith was evident to all and when Jesus “saw” their faith by their actions He said to the paralytic— “Son, your sins are forgiven.” This caused some of the scribes present to question Jesus’ authority to do so. But “immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you question these things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your bed and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic— “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.”
This man, without any rehab, picked up his bed and went home, walking out in the sight of them all! How did the people respond? We are told “they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!” Now Just as Jesus worked in this man’s life because of his and his friends’ faith, let us bring our loved ones and friends into the presence of Jesus and expect that He will do great things in their lives!
Yes, Dear Father may this be so by the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Your Son Jesus. All for Your honor and glory and for the benefit of others. So be it! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eQd3K2Fxp4