2010-11-01 - Party Crashers

Mark 2:1-12

"Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus, and after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on." (Mark 2:4)

Funny how things don't turn out the way you plan. I imagine the homeowner in the Gospel story of Jesus healing a paralytic, planning the Master's visit. The man would invite Jesus to be his guest while Jesus was visiting Capernaum. The Lord Jesus would have a place to rest and relax, and the man could get some one-on-one time with Him. The homeowner didn't anticipate word spreading so fast, that Jesus was staying with him. Nor did he count on his home being turned into a large, unexpected party. Jesus didn't seem to mind. The homeowner, I assume, tried to take that same attitude, and began to relax. When he saw his roof being taken apart by the crowd, he must have been horrified.

When a paralyzed man heard Jesus was in town, he made sure to see Jesus. This determined man knew Jesus would heal him. After all, Jesus had the cure. The guy called on friends to help. The friends tried to get a glimpse of Jesus, but it was impossible to maneuver, with all the people around. They did not give up, and thought of another option: the roof.

The able men made a hole in the roof, big enough for their handicapped friend to get through. When the roof was being destroyed, the homeowner didn't make a scene. Imagine the time and money it would take to repair the roof. The guys didn't even ask, apologize, or offer to fix the covering. They just went about their business, as if it was their house, while the owner was left with the mess and expense. Their focus was their friend's health.

The man was lowered down from the roof, to the feet of Jesus. A perfect landing! Jesus spoke to the man; then "he got up, took his mat and walked out, in full view of them all. This amazed everyone, and they praised God, saying, "We have never seen anything like this!" (Mark 2:12) Minutes later, he was walking! It was unbelievable!

Lord, Show me that there is a way to get to You, even if I don't see the opening. Father, please open my eyes, and turn me in the right direction. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Are you in need of a friend, or are you able to be a friend to someone? How can we get that same type of faith, and trust as the paralyzed man?

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