And Jesus seeing their faith said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”

                                                                                                            Mark 2:5

I have to admit, this is one of my favorite accounts in all of scripture. It’s a story of friendship, faith, and forgiveness. It’s a story of five men, one being described as a paralytic. Because this man was unable to actively pursue Jesus, he was at the mercy of others to assist him in getting around. Fortunately, he had four friends who were more than willing to lend a hand. These four men lifted this man’s pallet, each grabbing a corner and they carried him to see Jesus. I would like to think that I have at least four people in this world who would do the same for me. More importantly, I would like to think that I would be one of the guys holding the corner of the pallet of someone else in need. Nevertheless, these loyal friends got to the place where Jesus was staying. When they arrived, there was no option for these guys to get their buddy in to see Jesus as there were so many people gathered, standing room only was all that was left. There were so many people that they could not even get through the doorway. Left with no other options, these men brought their friend to the rooftop and began removing a portion of the roof. Once this was complete, they lowered their friend through the roof into the middle of the crowd, in a place in which this paralytic could have an encounter with Christ. Now this is where the story gets good.

Today’s passage tells us that Jesus saw their faith and pronounced the paralytic forgiven of all his sins. Jesus responded to the faith of the men. Perhaps it was the faith of the four friends or perhaps it was the faith of all five. Nevertheless, Jesus responded to their faith by forgiving the man, giving him spiritual life. The Bible is full of accounts in which Jesus responds to the faith of individuals and groups. Here are just a few:

And Jesus said to the centurion, “Go; it shall be done for you as you have believed.” And the servant was healed that very moment.

                                                                                                                   Matthew 8:13 

But Jesus turning and seeing her said, “Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well.” At once the woman was made well.

                                                                                                                   Matthew 9:22

When He (Jesus) entered the house, the blind men came up to Him, and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to Him, “Yes, Lord.” Then He touched their eyes saying, “It shall be done to you according to your faith.” And their eyes were opened.

                                                                                                            Matthew 9:28-30a 

Then Jesus said to her, “O woman, your faith is great; it shall be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed at once.

                                                                                                            Matthew 15:28 

And He (Jesus) did not do many miracles there because of their unbelief. 

                                                                                                   Matthew 13:58

God responds to our faith. These men demonstrated their faith in Jesus through their actions. They saw a friend in need and were willing to do whatever was necessary for their friend to have an encounter with Jesus. They exhibited fierce determination. The physical exertion that it would have required to achieve this end was not a reason to quit. The distance traveled, time out of their schedule, and the crowds were not going to work as excuses for these men either. They truly went the extra mile in caring for their friend.

I wonder if we are dedicated to that same proposition? Do we know people that are in physical and spiritual need? They don’t have to be paralyzed for us to demonstrate compassion. Are they without Jesus and in need of an encounter with Him? How far are we truly willing to go in order to ensure that these individuals get the opportunity to experience the difference that Jesus will make in their lives? Yes, people may reject our efforts to introduce them to the Savior, but will that really be all that is necessary to stop us from carrying out this most important of missions? God responds to our faith! How will you demonstrate your faith today?

Oh, by the way; the man not only received forgiveness of his sins, in an effort to demonstrate His authority to do such a thing, Jesus commanded the man to get up, take his pallet, and walk and that’s exactly what he did! As he and his friends traveled home, I wonder what that conversation sounded like?