Here we are again staring at Jesus before a crowd.  A crowd packed tightly enough that no one can get in the door.  4 guys carrying their friend who couldn’t walk step up and realize that there is no way we’re getting through that mass of people.  Their reaction is a scathing rebuke to society today, Christian and non-Christian alike.  In honesty I weep for both sides of the fence on this one.  Let’s take a look.

Mark 2:1-5 CSB
[1] When he entered Capernaum again after some days, it was reported that he was at home. [2] So many people gathered together that there was no more room, not even in the doorway, and he was speaking the word to them. [3] They came to him bringing a paralytic, carried by four of them. [4] Since they were not able to bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and after digging through it, they lowered the mat on which the paralytic was lying. [5] Seeing their faith, Jesus told the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”

The four guys get there and seeing that they can’t take their friend in they must have had a moment of reflection upon the circumstances.  No doubt they stopped and had a moment where each said something like; What do we do about this?  Seeing that they couldn’t get through the door they had 2 options.

1. Give up and go home. 

2. Find a way to get to Jesus.

There is no doubt about the love these four men have for their friend.  Because they don’t give up.  It’s option 2 for them.  They get him up on the roof.  Even for four guys that in itself had to be a serious task.  The roof was thatch with mud so they started digging.  I doubt that was easy.  When the hole they were making was big enough they lowered their friend through and laid him at the feet of Jesus.

I’m not going to address Jesus’ response here today.  Simply because that deserves a blog to itself and because I want you to truly think about my final question to you.

Which would you choose?  Don’t just say 2 because you know that’s the right answer.  Be honest.  The reason I weep for people is because most choose option 1. 

Faith check.

Love in Christ,

Colby