S. Luke 5:18-20
“Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a sleeping mat. They tried to take him inside to Jesus, but they couldn’t reach Him because of the crowd. So they went up to the roof and took off some tiles. Then they lowered the sick man on his mat down into the crowd, right in front of Jesus. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the man, “your sins are forgiven.”
O. The paralyzed man’s friends show a faith in Jesus that prompts bold action. They cannot get their friend in front of Jesus the normal way because there were so many people, so they transport him to the roof, remove tiles (cut a hole) in the roof, and then engineer some type of method (ropes, pulleys, etc) to lower the man right in front of Jesus.
Luke writes that Jesus saw “their faith.” Not just the faith of the paralyzed man, but also of the men lowering him through the roof. They didn’t settle for “we cant get him because of the crowd.” Rather, they looked for a creative way that would bring this man right in front of Jesus.
A. I pray and hope that I too, can have that type of faith. A willingness to do whatever is needed to bring a friend in front of Jesus so he/she might have the opportunity to receive a new life that only Jesus can give.
P. Thank you Father for your word today. I do pray for faith that is persistent, bold and filled with love .. a faith that is willing to step out beyond what others might do, to bring people to Jesus. I ask this in Jesus’ name!
