Faith Going Through The Roof

    Faith going through the roof. When Jesus teaches a crowd of people in a home, four men bring him a paralyzed man on a mat. But they can’t get through the crowd. So they cut a hole in the roof and let the man down inside. Here are lessons from the story.

    Faith going through the roof. Genuine faith is demonstrated.

    But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. (ESV, James 2:18)

    James urges Christ-followers to demonstrate faith by actions. And the story in Mark 2:1-12 takes it to a higher level. Literally.

    Jesus is in a home teaching a crowd of people. Four men carry a paralyzed man on a mat to him for healing. But a thick crowd extends to outside the house blocking their way. So they climb to the roof, dig a large hole in it, and lower the paralyzed man down inside the house.

    How is this possible? Well, roofs in towns like this were often flat and used as extended living space for things like storage, drying clothes, and praying. Exterior stairs and ladders provided access. And roof construction consisted of wooden beams covered by layers of dried mud or mud-baked and clay tiles. So, this was an ambitious endeavor, but not an impossible one.

    Faith going through the roof. It’s easier to say than do

    When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” (ESV, Mark 2:5)

    I can imagine Jesus watching with the scene unfold with a smile. The men had a problem, Jesus was the solution, and they weren’t taking “no” for an answer. Or at least, not let something trivial like a thick crowd and tiled roof stop them. Jesus might have said, “Nice of you to drop in.” But the eyes of God see beyond the obvious and penetrate the human heart.

    The man obviously had a physical problem. But he had a spiritual one too. And that’s the one Jesus addressed by declaring, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Today, like then, we often appeal to God for physical healing. But God cares more about our spiritual condition.

    And Jesus addressed it in a first century drop the mic moment. Because a group of Jewish teachers of the law were in the crowd to check Jesus out. Who was this man they heard spoke with authority and performed miracles? And they thought to themselves…

    Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” (ESV, Mark 2:7)

    But Jesus knew and answered their thoughts.

     Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? (ESV, Mark 2:9)

    Jesus confirmed the man was paralyzed. And what he was about to do was no cheap parlor trick. But of course, talk is cheap. Can you back up your words with actions? Show there is real divine power behind your words? That’s what the religious leaders wanted to know. And people today want to know it too. Don’t just talk about the power of God. I want to know if his power can make any difference in my life. If so, show me.

    Faith going through the roof. They were amazed and praised God.

    I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” (ESV, Mark 2:9&11)

    Jesus understood the paralyzed man’s spoken and unspoken needs. And he does with us too. The paralyzed man immediately got up, picked up the mat he arrived on, and carried it as he walked away. And the mic drop moment changed to jaw dropping. Did the people applaud? Say, oohs and aahs? Or hush in speechless awe?

    We don’t know. But Jesus clearly backed up his words with a display of divine power. There was no other explanation.

    And everyone was amazed and praised God. We don’t know if the religious leaders joined in the celebration, but they certainly didn’t object. Although that would change over the course of Jesus’ three year ministry.

    Jesus didn’t heal to entertain. Razzle and dazzle people. And put on a show. But to glorify God. And prove he was the Son of God. Even then, despite the obvious miracle, people did not believe in him. Just like people today. What about you?

    About Chip Tudor:

    Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview. This blog is originally published here.

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