Jesus Heals the Paralytic - Mark 2:1-12

Jesus Heals the Paralytic

Mark 2:1-12

“When Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days, it became known that he was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room for them, not even about the door; and he was preaching the word to them. And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and when they made an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic lay.

And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “My son, your sins are forgiven.” Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, “Why does this man speak thus? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his sprit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you question thus in your hearts? “Which is easier to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your pallet and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins” – he said to the paralytic – “I say to you, rise, take up your pallet and go home.” And he rose, and immediately took up the pallet and went out before them all: so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!” (Mark 2:1-12)

"When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven.'" What a beautiful Gospel message. The paralyzed man, unable to move was brought to Jesus by his friends.  It was their faith that moved Jesus to heal. 

We have all been at times “paralyzed” separated and unable to approach God for one reason or another.  At a time when I was overcome by illness, spiritual darkness and confusion it was the prayers of my family and friends, which “carried me” lowering me into the presence of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.   In His divine wisdom, just as He had attended the paralytic, He first addressed my soul and then my illness. The faithful prayers of my family and friends similar to the faith of the paralytic’s faithful friends became the catalyst for Jesus to forgive and to heal.  Thank's be to God. 

Prayer is answered (John 17:23).God’s grace is sufficient; His power is made
perfect in our weakness.
(2 Corinthians 12:9).
Persevere in prayer without ceasing.
And in all circumstances give thanks,
for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.
(2 Thessalonians 5:17-18)  ___

Art

Palsied Man Let Down Through Roof - James Tissot

Jesus Heals the Paralytic - Louis Hector Leroux

Jesus Heals the Paralytic Icon