«And they were all amazed, and they glorified God and were filled with fear, saying, ’We have seen strange things today!’ « (Luke 5:26).
Jesus was teaching at a home in Capernaum. The house was full of doctors of the law, intellectuals, and religious leaders. They were sitting, not to learn, but to harass and find faults with the words of Jesus, in order to accuse Him. They interfered with Jesus because His message was opposed to their teachings. And for the same reason they tried to keep away the people who needed Jesus the most (see Like 5:17). It was in this context that the four friends came, carrying a cot with paralyzed man on it. The paralyzed man had lost all hope, but his four friends were compassionate and hopeful. Since all the entrances to the house were blocked by the crowd of people there to see Jesus, the four men decided to break open the roof in order to help their friend.
Many people would never come to Jesus if we did not help them and bear their burdens with them. They are paralyzed by sin, resentment, pain, and even by their reasoning. If we didn’t bring to Jesus, they would never hear the words “Your sins are forgiven you” (ver 20).
The Church needs more friends who will tear the house apart for others; if we learn to be that type of friend, there will tear the house apart for others; if we learn to be that type of friends who will tear the house needs more friends who will tear the house apart for others; if we learn to be that type of friend, there will soon be many more people praising God.
When the men opened up rood, the sermon stopped. The people there saw the broken plaster, but Jesus saw something else: the faith of those friends! How important it is to have friends with with!
honors the faith of a sick person, other times He honors the faith of their intercessors: there isn’t just one formula. Surround yourself with roof-breaking friends. If someone tries to keep you from worshipping, leave the opponents who are blocking your path with their criticism: break the roof open and go in, but don’t miss out on the blessings.
Jesus addressed first things first. The man was perceived by society as a sinner: it was Jesus’s priority to free him. People criticized Him, saying Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone? (verse 21). Although they were wrong in their conclusion, they were right in this: only God can forgive sins, and He was there in front of them. Jesus chided them saying, “Why are you reasoning in your hearts?” (verse 22).
The man’s body was paralyzed, but they were paralyzed ink their hearts. ‘Which is easier, tO say, Your sins are forgiven you, or to say, Rise up and walk ? ’ (verse 23). Logically, it is easier to say “Your sins are forgiven you.” That could not be proven; but making a paralyzed man walk had to be demonstrated, and Jesus cold him to stand up. The man did so immediately, and he praised God. If he had not stood up, he would not have experienced the miracle.
Luke records three reactions of the witnesses: amazement, fear, and thankfulness to God. ‘We have seen strange things today, ‘ they said (verse 26). The people understood that Jesus had power to forgive sins because He was God, and our reaction to what is divine is amazement, fear, and gratitude.
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Taken from: Devotional Thoughts for Women 2023
“DAUGHTER OF MINE” Do Not Be Afraid
From: Arsenia Fernandez-Uckele
Collaborators: Xiomara Perdomo & Esteban Cortes
