Four Men Brought Their Paralyzed Friend to Me

The Story of My Life as told by Jesus Christ

(Seed Sowers Christian Book Publishing House. http://www.seedsowers.com/)

Friday, November 09, 2012 Four Men Brought Their Paralyzed Friend to Me

Page 78        Matthew 9:1-8; Mark 2:1-12; Luke 5:17-26

In my mind’s eye, I can see Jesus grinning as the paralyzed man is lowered through the roof, although I don’t think the homeowner was as amused. As Jesus speaks to the paralyzed man, “Young man, your sins are forgiven” (Luke 5:20), I can also see Jesus offering a knowing wink to his disciples. Jesus knew what was coming next; the Pharisees objected to his audacity in forgiving sins. Jesus’ point here is not that the man’s sins caused him to be paralyzed; his point is that he has the authority to heal broken spirits through the forgiveness of sins, as well as the power to heal broken bodies. The Pharisees missed the point because they were jealous that Jesus was offering the forgiving, healing power of God apart from the Temple and religious establishment. 

Because of their jealousy, the Pharisees could not see how God honors faith.  The paralyzed man desperately needed to come to Jesus, but couldn’t, not on his own. His friends believed God was present in Jesus and were desperate to place their friend in the company of Jesus. The paralyzed man and his friends conspired to find a way to Jesus. Their actions remind me of the words from the praise song, Breathe, “And I I'm desperate for you; And I I'm lost without you (Breathe ©1995 Mercy / Vineyard Publishing Words and Music by Marie Barnett)

I receive the paralyzed man’s story as an invitation to look deep within myself. Where does my self-sufficiency end? For what am I desperate for God? Where am I lost without God?

I also see another invitation. The paralyzed man’s friends took huge risks to help their friend who could not help himself. Their friendship demonstrated love that is self-sacrificing, for the good of another. Is there anyone in my life that needs me to love like that? Am I willing to love like that?

Sē’lah

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What word or phrase in today’s reading attracts your attention?

Reflect on that word or phrase.

What insights come to you?

How does this passage touch your life today?

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(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

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The Story of My Life as told by Jesus Christ

(Seed Sowers Christian Book Publishing House. http://www.seedsowers.com/)

Monday, November 12, 2012       I Chose a Tax Collector to Be My Disciple

Page 78-79   Matthew 9:9-13; Mark 2:13-17; Luke 5:27-32