For the OneSample

Day 1: The Paralytic

God loves to put people in our paths so that we can share Christ with them, serve them, and reach out to them in any way He wants them to be blessed. Jesus gives us a clear pattern or example to follow; there are hurting people everywhere. All that is missing is His church, us, to obey Him.

Mark 2:1-12 tells a marvelous story that reveals the power of Jesus Christ not only to heal sick bodies but also to heal, more importantly, sinful souls. This is the central message of Christianity—Jesus forgives sins. All other religions are man’s attempts to reach God and forgiveness, but Christianity is God reaching down to man to give him what he could never earn, which is a full pardon of sin. This story is also found in Matthew 9:2-8 and Luke 5:17-26.

This man was paralyzed and dependent on the generosity and help of friends, family, and strangers. But even his conspicuous physical need did not overshadow the greater spiritual need that he had. He needed forgiveness of sin that only God can grant. 

We need to do all we can to be there for people and help them. I know we cannot help everyone with their physical needs, but we can help every person we meet with their greatest need and that is the forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ our Lord.

At this time in Jesus’ life, His one was this man who needed help in every way. In this story, let us learn from the Master and go and reach our ones for Him.

PREACH THE WORD (Mark 2:1-2)

With a crowd of people gathered together, please make note of what our Lord did; He preached the Word to them. I love it. Jesus was a preacher of the Word of God. The Greek word translated “preach” is laleo, which literally means “to speak.” (It is in the imperfect active indicative—continuous action in the past.) He was continuing to teach the Word when He was interrupted. When people gather together in the presence of the Lord at church, the pastor must do what Jesus did, which is to preach the Word to the people, teach them, and instruct them in the Word of God. 

BRING YOUR FRIENDS (Mark 2:3-4)

The paralytic’s four faithful friends brought him to Jesus. They were creative in their approach to get this man to Christ. No doubt debris, dirt, and dust were falling in the house. I imagine the people in Mark 2:6 were critical. Perhaps Peter and Andrew were thinking, “Wow, there is a hole in my roof!” 

However, I see Jesus smiling! These four, faithful friends were passionate and very compassionate; they cared for their hurt friend, and they were so concerned for him that they were willing to tear up a roof to get him in the presence of Jesus Christ.

What if we were as concerned for souls getting in the presence of Jesus as we are for getting what we want in church? Can you imagine the effort it took to get the man there—they had to go get him and then had to pick him up and carry him up the stairs? It was hard work and took a Herculean effort, but their labors were greatly rewarded by Jesus.

WATCH JESUS WORK (Mark 2:5-12)

Mark 2:5 tells us that Jesus saw the faith of all five men in this group, “Seeing their faith, Jesus told the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’”

The greatest thing we can do to address systemic, large-scale problems is simply do something; impact the one in your path. This is true for lostness, as most of the world does not know Jesus, and they worship false gods. 

We can look at so much need in the world and respond in one of two ways—first, just do nothing with the thought—there is so much need, what difference can one person make? Or second, have the mindset, true—I can’t do everything, and what I do may be small, but I will do something. I will share Jesus with those I meet and seek to help in whatever way God leads me.

Questions:

1. How willing are you to be interrupted by others who need help? Ask the Lord to make you sensitive to the needs around you and adjust your schedule if necessary.

2. What do you think about this statement: “With God’s inspiration and our perspiration, we can accomplish much good in this world.”