Jesus Heals The Paralyzed Man
May 21, 2019
Commentary
Jesus chose Capernaum as the center of His ministry in Galilee. It was a busy city along an important trade route. When Jesus returned, a large crowd gathered in a house to hear Him teach the Word. Four men came carrying their paralyzed friend on a mat. Because they could not reach Jesus through the crowd, they climbed onto the roof, made an opening, and lowered the man down before Him. When Jesus saw their faith, He responded with compassion and power, showing that true faith acts with courage, persistence, and deep love for others in need, even when obstacles seem impossible and circumstances appear discouraging or over-whelming in difficult situations, trusting God to work beyond hu-man limits and expectations in every situation.
In their actions, we see important lessons. First, we see their determination. They were committed to bringing their friend to Jesus, no matter the cost or effort. Second, we see the difficulties they faced. The crowd blocked their way, yet they did not give up. They were willing to carry the burden together so their friend could find help. Their persistence shows a deep care for others and a strong belief in Jesus’ ability to heal. They remind us to support one another and walk together in faith and love. True friendship brings others closer to Jesus with faith.
Third, we see the deliverance Jesus provided. He said, “Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.” This surprised the scribes, who questioned in their hearts, “Who can forgive sins but God only?” Jesus knew their thoughts and understood their doubts. While they were correct that only God can forgive sins, they failed to see that Jesus is the Son of God. This moment reveals that Jesus has authority not only to heal the body, but also to forgive sin. His authority calls for our faith.
Application
I ask myself if I bring others to Jesus with faith and love. Do I give up when obstacles come, or keep going? Am I willing to carry someone’s burden and help them meet Him? Do I trust Jesus to forgive and restore? I want to act with courage, serve others, and believe His power in every situation each day faithfully.
Mark 2:1–12 (NET)
1 Now after some days, when he returned to Capernaum, the news spread that he was at home. 2 So many gathered that there was no longer any room, not even by the door, and he preached the word to them. 3 Some people came bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of them. 4 When they were not able to bring him in because of the crowd, they removed the roof above Jesus. Then, after tearing it out, they lowered the stretcher the paralytic was lying on. 5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” 6 Now some of the experts in the law were sitting there, turning these things over in their minds: 7 “Why does this man speak this way? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 8 Now immediately, when Jesus realized in his spirit that they were contemplating such thoughts, he said to them, “Why are you thinking such things in your hearts? 9 Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Stand up, take your stretcher, and walk’? 10 But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins,”—he said to the paralytic — 11 “I tell you, stand up, take your stretcher, and go home.” 12 And immediately the man stood up, took his stretcher, and went out in front of them all. They were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”
Taylor “We Have 25 Cents-And The Promises of God!
During an especially trying time in the work of the China Inland Mission, Hudson Taylor wrote to his wife, “We have twenty-five cents—and all the promises of God! (Wycliffe Handbook of Preaching & Preachers, W. Wiersbe, p. 242)
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