Mark 2 - 7.11.25

Scripture: ‭‭Mark‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“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. Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, “Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, “Why are you thinking these things? Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? 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.” He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!””

Observation:

The people said, “We have never seen anything like this!”

Imagine actually being there. Seeing first hand Jesus’s miracles. Hearing Him teach with authority.  No wonder people were coming from everywhere to witness first hand all that was happening. Even if there were videos, news reports, or social media it would not have been the same as being there. They had gathered in such large numbers to hear Jesus preach the house was full and even outside the door. 

Friends of a paralytic man had faith enough to do the unthinkable. First, they brought their friend to Jesus carrying him on his mat, it took 4 of them. Then, they carried it to the roof and dug a hole in it, large enough for their friend to fit through and lowered him down in front of Jesus!

Jesus saw their faith and forgave his sins. Not, the thing the friends had hoped for. It also stirred up the “teachers of the law” who considered this blasphemy.  Jesus asked them what is easier to forgive or heal?  In verse 10 He says “I want you to know the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.”  He then told the paralyzed man to get up, take his mat, and go home. He did and all saw and marveled praising God. 

Application:

So much can be learned from this. Jesus wanted people to know the authority He had. His first priority was forgiving people. This is still His heart and we are His vessels to share the good news. 

We can be like those friends who did not let any barrier keep them from getting their friend to Jesus. 

By dying on the cross Jesus paid the price for our sins once and for all. He rose again conquering the power of sin and death. We may not be able to go back in time to see his miracles but, God sent the Holy Spirit to fill us and enable us to do even greater miracles.  John 14:12-16

People in our day will if we are obedient praise God and say, “We have never seen anything like this!”

Prayer:

Lord, thank you that your desire is to forgive sins. You are all-knowing, full of love and grace.  May I make helping people know you can forgive their sins and give them a new life a priority. Forgive me for letting this world’s distractions get me off course.  I know you can enable me to have the gifts needed to change lives through the power of your Holy Spirit. May I be open and walk in tune with Him.  I am so grateful for your forgiveness in my life and your healing power. Help me purpose daily to share your love and forgiveness with others. As you saw the paralytic man’s friend’s faith, may you and others witness mine.  Amen

- Cindy Howard