Go!

We are still working our way through the gospel of Mark at ‘Redefine‘ and last night we looked at the 2nd chapter of Mark.

If you’ve not read it before or recently, it is the retelling of Jesus healing a paralysed man. It’s quite a shocking and unorthodox account, because Jesus had gone back home and a large crowd had gathered at the house, so much so that 4 men who were bringing their friend to Jesus to be healed couldn’t get into the house by conventional means, but instead had to tear up the roof to lower their friend down to Jesus.

This act of faith caught Jesus’ attention. Well He could hardly miss it, what with all of the debris and roof fragments showering down as these men created a hold in the ceiling for their friend.

The passage puts it this way – “When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralysed man, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’” – Mark 2:5

Hang on a second, they wanted Jesus to heal him, not forgive His sins…but for Jesus forgiving the man of his sins was more important that physical healing.

This shocked the religious leaders that were present, after all only God could forgive sins. To them Jesus was blaspheming by making himself equal with God. They couldn’t see who Jesus really is. The Son of God & the Son of Man.

They were blinded to the truth.

I love what Jesus did next;…“‘Why are you thinking these things? Which is easier: to say to this paralysed man, “Your sins are forgiven,” or to say, “Get up, take your mat and walk”? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.’ So he said to the man, ‘I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.’ He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, ‘We have never seen anything like this!’” – Mark 2:8-12.

When Jesus is around, things happen. He is God after all, and He loves us no matter what state we come to Him in.

The paralysed man didn’t have anything to bring to Jesus except himself and even then he needed the help of his friends. Jesus gave him far more than he could ever bring to God. Jesus gave him forgiveness & healing.

It’s the same for us today, all we bring to Jesus is ourselves, with all our sins and frailty and He forgives us and heals us. He doesn’t and hasn’t changed. His heart for us is just like His heart for the paralysed man.

So today come to Him just as you are, even if it looks messy and uncomfortable. He loves you and wants to see you forgiven and whole.

Another point in the gospel account is that the man needed his friends. We too need good friends who will carry us to Jesus in prayer with faith. So today bring a friend to God in prayer and see what he does with your faith on their behalf.

Be blessed!