There is so much going on in this passage, I don’t know where to begin. I love how Mark uses words here to help us picture the scene. We can almost insert ourselves right along with the paralytic at the feet of Jesus.
Word has definitely spread about Jesus and the miracles he has been doing. Did you notice what happens in this account? We are expecting him to tell the paralyzed man to get up and walk, to pronounce the healing. What does Jesus do instead? He tells the man his sins are forgiven.
I didn’t see that coming, did you? What do this man’s sins have to do with him being paralyzed? Have you ever thought about that? I imagine a hush went over the room at his words. The teachers of law that were present probably exchanged a knowing glance. Jesus was fully aware of the situation. Of course he was. Jesus used this as a teachable moment to show his authority.
And then, as expected, Jesus tells the man to get up and go home. The man leaves as he is instructed. How did the man feel? Was his gratitude overflowing? We read that he “jumped up”. That sounds pretty ecstatic to me. He, like the crowd, was likely stunned and amazed. Do you think he expected healing?
Think back a moment to the four men that brought this paralyzed man to Jesus in the first place. This is a miracle in itself to have maneuvered him to the roof, digging a hole big enough in the thatched roof, and having the tools, rope or whatever, to lower him down at just the right spot. This didn’t “just happen”. There was thought, intention and strong faith inspiring these men. They were no doubt friends of the paralyzed man. There was a lot of caring going on. Was there anticipation? What about adrenaline? Do you suppose fear? And, after it was all over, who was going to repair the roof for heavens sake?
I may often let myself get caught up in details. I shouldn’t let myself be paralyzed by wanting to know all the facts. I need to walk by faith and be confident that God is going to show up. Just as these men were confident and driven by their faith. That is the message I need to hear today.
What spoke most to you? Reflect on that message today.
Let’s pray. Lord, I thank you that you are the one in control of my life. Forgive me when I forget and push forward on my own. Thank you that you are calming my spirit to not need to know every detail, every answer, every truth. I put my trust in you and your provision. May my faith heal me and make me whole. May my faith be large like the men in our passage today. No obstacle is too big. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
