I couldn’t stop thinking about the man I told you about yesterday. The man whose friends destroyed another person’s house out of friendship.
This is a story of faith, friendship and love.
“Jesus went back to Capernaum, and a few days later people heard that he was at home. 2 Then so many of them came to the house that there wasn’t even standing room left in front of the door.
Jesus was still teaching 3 when four people came up, carrying a man on a mat because he could not walk. 4 But because of the crowd, they could not get him to Jesus. So they made a hole in the roof above him and let the man down in front of everyone.
5 When Jesus saw how much faith they had, he said to the man, “My friend, your sins are forgiven.”
6 Some of the teachers of the Law of Moses were sitting there. They started wondering, 7 “Why would he say such a thing? He must think he is God! Only God can forgive sins.”
8 At once, Jesus knew what they were thinking, and he said, “Why are you thinking such things? 9 Is it easier for me to tell this man his sins are forgiven or to tell him to get up and pick up his mat and go on home? 10 I will show you that the Son of Man has the right to forgive sins here on earth.” So Jesus said to the man, 11 “Get up! Pick up your mat and go on home.”
12 The man got right up. He picked up his mat and went out while everyone watched in amazement. They praised God and said, “We have never seen anything like this!” Mark 2:1-12 CEV
Let’s look at the characters in this story: the 4 friends, the lame man, the crowd, the people in the house, the homeowner and Jesus. Who do you identify with?
The four friends had heard of Jesus and the miracles He had been doing. They had a friend who couldn’t walk but they knew Jesus could heal him if they could just get him there. They lay everything aside for the love of their friend.
The man. He was helpless. His friends came in and said, “we’re taking you to see Jesus, he will heal you”. Had the man even heard of Jesus? Where were they taking him? Through the streets of town? Up on the roof? “You’re going to do what?”
The crowd. They came to hear and see Jesus, but they were content to listen from outside. Don’t cause a fuss, just hope to see him when he left the meeting.
Those in the house. Religious leaders and prominent men of the town. Skeptical about this newcomer to their region. They had heard about Him but felt He was probably a charlatan.
The homeowner. He had heard of this newcomer, Jesus. Heard he could do miracles and invited Him to his home. And now some religious fanatics had torn off his roof.
Jesus. Sincere motives, pure heart. Reaching out to all who would listen. Moved with compassion. Undisturbed by conflict and criticism. Doing the works of His loving Father.
“6 But without faith no one can please God. We must believe that God is real and rewards everyone who searches for him.” Hebrews 11:6 CEV
Which character/characters do you identify with? The four friends on a mission? The man with the problem? The skeptics?
Friendship met the love of God and they were rewarded for their faith.