Mark 2:1–5 (ESV): Jesus Heals a Paralytic
1 And when he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. 2 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. 3 And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. 4 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. 5 And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”
Some of you might be familiar with this story in the Scriptures and immediately say, “Oh, I love this story about the four buddies who bring their friend to Jesus to be healed.” We love their intent, friendship, and especially their focused determination.
But at the end of the story, you will find the deeper focus we are intended to discover. In the days leading up to this miracle, Jesus had shown his authority and power over temptation, demons, sickness, leprosy, and now a paralytic. But this was the first time Jesus displayed his power to forgive sins. In that day, this was a really big no—no among the religious elite; only God could forgive sins.
The focus here is that Jesus would now be identifying himself as God. The attention, questions, and intrigue began to shift from a miracle worker to a new outlandish proclamation that Jesus Himself said that He is God.
When it comes to the story of these four young men, let’s not discount their faith, focus, and determination to have their friend be healed. It took tremendous courage and determination to ensure their friend would get in front of Jesus. Their faith in most reflections of this passage is almost always the focus. And Jesus recognized it, but that wasn’t his sole purpose for being in the house that day. He purposed to preach, teach, proclaim, and now reveal Himself as God.
In addition, it’s not without coincidence Jesus performed astonishing miracles prior to His visit to this home in Capernaum. The news and fame of Jesus was spreading everywhere (Mark 1:27). People were flocking to see Jesus and get their friends and family who were ill to the feet of Jesus. All those miracles were just a setup for Jesus’ bigger purpose to proclaim, preach, teach, and lead people to understand the kingdom of God was at hand and Jesus was here to forgive people of their sins.
I actually think people didn’t go to the house; Jesus brought them. He drew them there just as He continues to draw people to show Himself as Yahweh, their Savior, their only real hope. In that moment, Jesus healed a man physically and then spiritually; He rewarded fervent faith and awakened dormant faith. He did the unexpected, not only in bringing down the roof but in elevating Himself as the God in the flesh who forgives.
May this be our focus at Neighborhood as we bring people to hear about Jesus. Jesus is our healer; but He is so much more—He is our God, in flesh, willing to forgive us of our sins and show his riches in mercy.
Physical healing is something we will all need from time to time in our life, but spiritual healing from the crippling effects of sin is something we can’t go a day without. When someone needs physical healing, we need to pray with purpose and a fervent prayer for full restorative healing. But may our prayers not stop there, may our focus be to see people’s souls be set free and filled with the hope of God’s pure and undefiled love. May our focus of prayer and hope for our friends and neighbors simply be, “Jesus, I know you can heal their physical need, but may they know they are forgiven and filled with your grace.”
PAUSE: What was Jesus’ purpose for healing the paralytic? Why was that so controversial?
REFLECT: As you consider the needs of those around you, do the physical needs supersede the spiritual needs? Think of the paralysis of sin both within the church of Christ and without.
ASK: Jesus, if I have not already recognized You as God, reveal that to me. And if I grow faint in my faith, Lord, heal me of that illness. I ask that you strengthen me. I ask that you give me opportunities to bring people to You and pray for their needs, which You, Lord, already know. Grant me this according to the glorious riches of Your grace. Thank You, Lord God. Amen.
YIELD: I am your vessel today, Lord. Lead me as you will to do your will. I focus on you only.