“A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them.”
—Mark 2:1-2
Jesus was preaching to a crowd that was so intent on hearing Him that they crowded into the home where He was staying. There were so many people eager to listen that no one else could make it through the door.
A group of four men had a paralyzed friend that they longed to get close to Jesus. They knew He had performed miracles, and they wanted their friend to experience complete healing.
They weren’t discouraged when they saw the crowd. In faith, they climbed to the roof of the dwelling and created a large hole. Then they lowered their friend down on a mat so he could meet Jesus.
When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” (Mark 2:5)
Some of the religious leaders wondered how Jesus could have the right to forgive sins, making Himself equal to God.
Then Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” (Mark 2:10-11)
The paralyzed man received healing not because of his faith, but because of the faith of his friends. Sometimes, God places friends in our lives because He knows they’ll help us find healing.
God, thank You for the friends You’ve brought into my life. Thank You for the faithful ones who have carried me to Jesus in my darkest moments. Help me to be that kind of friend to someone else. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
