November 11, 2010 – Mark 1:32 - 2:17

We all know the story of the paralytic being lowered through the roof and Jesus healing him.  But recently I was looking at it from a different view.  The friends of the man and their actions are what brought about his healing.  Think about it, first they had to carry him from where ever he was.  Then they had to fight the crowds.  When they couldn’t actually get through the crowds they risked their own lives climbing on the roof.  They also risk getting into trouble by damaging someone else’s home.  Then they lowered the man down.  Not one of these steps they had to take and not one of them was actually done by the man who was healed. 

A couple of things I take from this.  First, we can have a very strong impact in someone’s life.  Whether through praying for them, giving them advise, taking them to Church with you, or just being there for them when they need you, you can have an impact.  We sometimes may think we are too small potatoes to be able to make a difference, but that isn’t true.  People are depending on you, whether you realize it our not.  They are looking to you to be a friend that can carry them to Jesus because they may not be able to get there on their own. 

Secondly, I picture Jesus at his house the next day fixing His roof.  And I picture these five helping Him, the 4 that carried him and the man that was healed.  We never get any stories about Jesus when He was just living normal life, but you would have to think He would not have left without the roof being fixed, He was a carpenter after all.  I just picture Him working really hard, but with a smile, laughing and being joyful in His labor.  I picture the paralytic jumping around, showing off things that he had not been able to do in who knows how long.  And the 4 friends, being so happy that they took the time and the effort not only to bring their friend to Christ, but to grow in their relationship with Him as well.  Don’t be afraid to grab someone’s stretcher and help take them were they need to go.  You may be saving a life and filling yours with the love of Christ.