In Mark 2:1-12, we are told the beautiful story of four men who bring their paralyzed friend to Jesus to be healed. But when they get there the crowd is already so large they can’t get anywhere near Him. Undeterred, they go around back, climb up on the roof, start removing tiles until there is a large hole, and then lower their friend down right in front of Jesus.
Mark goes on to tell us, “When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven you.” (Mark 2:5) He then responds to their faith by taking care of their friend's ultimate spiritual need (forgiveness) and then his pressing physical need (healing).
There are four key lessons we can glean from these friends’ faith:
First, they had faith that God wanted to use them to impact someone else’s life. Their focus wasn't on personal needs or blessings; they came to Jesus on behalf of their friend who needed a miracle.
Second, they had the faith to believe that bringing their friend to Jesus was enough. They didn’t try to fix his circumstances or offer advice. They simply wanted to get him to Jesus so that He could work a miracle.
Third, they believed it was worth it to carry their friend all the way to Jesus. It took time and effort to get him there and I’m sure they were all sweating by the time they arrived.
Finally, they had the faith to push through all the barriers and obstacles. The crowds, the climb, the cost to repair the roof, and the critical gazes others did not deter them. Without their determination he would never have reached Jesus on his own.
Take a moment and reflect on your own faith today:
Ask God to put one friend on your heart that you can be instrumental in bringing to Jesus.
Mark goes on to tell us, “When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven you.” (Mark 2:5) He then responds to their faith by taking care of their friend's ultimate spiritual need (forgiveness) and then his pressing physical need (healing).
There are four key lessons we can glean from these friends’ faith:
First, they had faith that God wanted to use them to impact someone else’s life. Their focus wasn't on personal needs or blessings; they came to Jesus on behalf of their friend who needed a miracle.
Second, they had the faith to believe that bringing their friend to Jesus was enough. They didn’t try to fix his circumstances or offer advice. They simply wanted to get him to Jesus so that He could work a miracle.
Third, they believed it was worth it to carry their friend all the way to Jesus. It took time and effort to get him there and I’m sure they were all sweating by the time they arrived.
Finally, they had the faith to push through all the barriers and obstacles. The crowds, the climb, the cost to repair the roof, and the critical gazes others did not deter them. Without their determination he would never have reached Jesus on his own.
Take a moment and reflect on your own faith today:
- Do you believe that God wants to use you to make a difference in other’s lives?
- Do you believe that Jesus is what your friends truly need?
- Are you willing to pray, invite, and do whatever is necessary to get them to Jesus?
- Will you press through the obstacles of inconvenience, resistance, and rejection to do it?
Ask God to put one friend on your heart that you can be instrumental in bringing to Jesus.
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