Read Mark 2:1-12.
We find in today’s Scripture verses the story of a paralyzed man who was desperate to get to Jesus. As He traveled from town to town, Jesus drew throngs of people. Many of them had infirmities.
Jesus had entered the town of Capernaum, and news had spread that He was in a particular house. The place was packed; a severely crippled man and four of his friends were outside wondering how in the world they could get their desperate friend into the house. His friends were so sure, if they could get him to Jesus, his needs would be met. I admire the determination of this very lame man’s friends. It was a bold move to put a hole in the roof to lower this man down to see Jesus. The saddest part of the story seems that there was room for those pesky scribes, but not for those with desperate needs.
I like what The NIV Study Bible says about verse five: “Jesus recognized that the bold action of the paralyzed man and his friends gave evidence of faith. Jesus first met the man’s greatest need: forgiveness.” I love how this story ends. Mark 2:11-12 reads, “I say unto thee, Arise and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house. And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all, insomuch that they were all amazed,and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.”
PRAY TOGETHER: Pray that home missionaries Scott and Staci Warren, (Crosspoint Free Will Baptist Church, Salt Lake City, Utah) would see an increase in attendance and giving now that summer is over. Also, pray that they could find affordable health insurance for their whole family.
