The Essential JesusSample

Band of Brothers

PRAY: Spend a few minutes talking to God about any circumstances in your life that have you feeling paralyzed either physically, emotionally, or spiritually.

READ: Luke 5:17-26

REFLECT: You have to feel sorry for the poor Pharisees and the teachers of the law. They were always on the defensive. That's because Jesus was always right and in control of the circumstances, and it infuriated them. In Luke 5:17-26 I can picture these pompous religious leaders "sitting there" in the front row, arms folded, scowling as Jesus healed people (v. 17). When we find ourselves mad at God over the circumstances in our lives, we should take time to reflect on the underlying source of our anger. There may be an inconvenient truth we've been avoiding.

At the same time, you have to love the band of brothers who carried their friend to Jesus. I can imagine the hard work it took to lug a paralyzed man across town. He was heavy; it took four men to lift him. And it would have been embarrassing, "What are you boys doing?" But they persisted for at least two reasons. First, they loved their friend and showed it by sacrificial work. And second, they believed Jesus could make a difference. It was a simple strategy but it still works today: bring your friends to Jesus.

Now imagine the commotion and drama the crowd would have felt as the paralytic was lowered from the ceiling. It took guts and creativity to try a stunt like that. It also took faith, as Jesus pointed out (v. 20). It's significant that Jesus healed the man because of "their faith." Sometimes God intervenes in the lives of people based on the faith of those around them. It's a reality that should energize our prayer and service for others.

Unfortunately, the grumpy old Pharisees rejected Jesus in spite of the evidence that was clear to everyone else: the paralyzed man walked out of the meeting praising God (v. 25). That's because they knew exactly what the deeper issue was: If they admitted Jesus had authority to forgive sins, they were admitting He was God (v. 21), and that was the one thing they weren't willing to do.

Facing our need of forgiveness is the first step toward a restored life and relationship with God.

APPLY: In what way could you take a step of faith on behalf of someone close to you?

PRAY: Spend a few minutes asking Jesus to restore those areas of your life that need spiritual, emotional, or physical healing. End with a time of praise.