Our scripture this morning is Luke 5:17-26.
One day, while he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting near by (they had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem); and the power of the Lord was with him to heal. Just then some men came, carrying a paralyzed man on a bed. They were trying to bring him in and lay him before Jesus; but finding no way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the middle of the crowd in front of Jesus. When he saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven you.” Then the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, “Who is this who is speaking blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” When Jesus perceived their questionings, he answered them, “Why do you raise such questions in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and walk’? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the one who was paralyzed—“I say to you, stand up and take your bed and go to your home.” Immediately he stood up before them, took what he had been lying on, and went to his home, glorifying God. Amazement seized all of them, and they glorified God and were filled with awe, saying, “We have seen strange things today.”
Jesus shows us the power of our faith in action through this encounter with a paralyzed man. Of course, the healing is very important, but the lesson and the demonstration of God’s love and mercy is of eternal value. Jesus takes this opportunity to show all those gathered there how God works in our lives.
Friends brought this man to Jesus in faith, believing that he would be healed. When they were unable to get through the crowd, they didn’t give up, and found another way to bring the man to Jesus. They were steadfast in their faith and did not let the obstacle prevent them from reaching Jesus.
Are we as strong in our faith as those in this passage? Do we let worldly things interfere in our relationship with God? It is essential that we live in connection with Him but just as essential that we act in faith and love in all we do.
Loving Lord, please send Your healing mercy to all in need. Help us to be the voice of faith in a dark and troubled world, sharing the love we first received from You. In Your name we pray, amen.