Faithful People Share Their Faith (Mark 2:1-12, Matthew 9:2)

Jesus came home to Capernaum, and people gathered in such large numbers that no room was left in the place where He preached. Four men brought a paralyzed man to Jesus, but they could not get through the crowd to enter the house by the door. They carried him up to the roof and dug an opening above Jesus.  Then they lowered the mat their friend lay on. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralyzed man, "Your sins are forgiven."

Teachers of the law sitting there, thought Jesus blasphemed God. They asked each other, "Who can forgive sins but God?"

Jesus knew their thoughts and asked them, "Which is easier to say to this man, 'Your sins are forgiven' or 'Get up, take up your mat and walk'? I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins." So Jesus looked at the paralyzed man and said, "I tell you, get up, take up your mat and go home."

The man got up and walked. Everyone saw him and was amazed and praised God.

Think About It
The paralytic was a lucky man. He had friends who wanted him to walk so much that they  took him to Jesus. When Jesus saw their faith, He knew they expected Him to heal their friend and He did. We all have friends who are spiritually paralyzed by fear, guilt, doubt, pain or maybe even hurt by something that happened at a church in their past. They feel trapped and cannot get to Jesus on their own. Are you faithful enough to share your faith and bring your friends to Jesus? They will benefit from your love and the love of God. The more you are faithful, the greater God rewards you with more faith.

Pray About It
Father God, it is not easy watching our friends suffer. Help us to be faithful to share your love and what you have done in our lives. Empower us as we step out to be faithful. In Jesus' name, Amen.

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