Recently, my husband and I went to an event held in a large arena. The lines to get in were long because a big crowd had gathered for the event. People waited patiently, but we were all eager to go inside and hear the featured speaker.
During Jesus’ earthly ministry, crowds followed Him. They heard about His miracles—the blind could see, the leper was healed, and evil spirits were cast out. Jesus’ teachings amazed the people because He spoke with authority (Mark 1:22).
Preach the Word.
And when Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that He was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And He was preaching the word to them.
- Mark 2:1-2
The crowd might have come just to see a miracle or to personally experience Jesus’ healing touch, but Jesus always wanted people to hear the Word taught. He spoke the truth with authority, wanting each person to be transformed and their sins forgiven.
Bring Friends.
Four men arrived carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. They couldn’t bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above His head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus.
- Mark 2:3-4
The men couldn’t get into the house through the door, so they climbed the outside stairs to the roof. They peeled back the roof to create an opening. I bet the people inside wondered what was happening above them. Suddenly, a man lying on a mat was being lowered into the middle of the room. (Can you picture the smile on Jesus’ face?)
I have a question. Did the paralyzed man ask his four friends to carry him to Jesus? Or did the four men tell their paralyzed friend that they wanted to take him to see Jesus? Notice in verse five, “Jesus saw their faith”—
When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”
- Mark 2:5
Yes, Jesus recognized that all five men demonstrated faith—the paralytic and his four friends. Jesus did not heal his crippled legs; instead, He forgave his sins. Separation from God is our greatest problem. Therefore, our most urgent need is the forgiveness of sin!
Critical Thoughts.
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’?
- Mark 2:6-9
Instead of being amazed at Jesus’ teaching and words, the scribes examined the situation with hardened hearts. They were partly correct when they said, “Who can forgive sins but God alone?” Sadly, they failed to see or accept that Jesus, the Son of God, was sent to earth by God the Father.
People Were Amazed & Glorified God.
“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 2:10-12
The man was healed instantly, right before the crowd gathered in that small house. He picked up his mat and walked past everyone as he left. His spiritual need (sins forgiven) and his physical need (lame legs healed) were both fulfilled that day. This caused amazement among the people and brought glory to God!
Head to Heart
This Bible story appears in two books—Mark and Luke. We often overlook parts of Scripture because the story is familiar to us. We should take time to examine the setting, the people involved, and God’s work in their midst.
Are we anxious to read God’s Word and consider His teaching? I encourage you to follow a Bible-reading plan or to find a daily devotional book. Spend time each day in His Word and ask the Holy Spirit to teach and guide you (2 Timothy 3:16).
Did a specific friend introduce you to Jesus, invite you to a Bible study group, or to attend a church gathering? Have you spoken to that person recently and thanked them for introducing you to Jesus? Call them, text them, or write a thank-you note. Let them know that their act of faith changed your life.
The miracles Jesus performed on earth had a divine purpose— to bring glory to His Heavenly Father. Making a difference on Earth is wonderful. Helping others is part of the Great Commandment—Love God, love others, and love yourself. But ultimately, our lives are meant to be lived in a way that brings glory to God!
Now, consider what you should do to bring glory to God. Don’t remain stuck in the same place in your heart, mind, and body. Ask the Lord to reveal who you can share the Gospel message with and how you can grow in your personal walk with God.
DGTM RESOURCE: Your Personal Decision to Walk with God
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