“Some men came, bringing to him a
paralytic, carried by four of them” (Mark 2:3).
The idea of today’s thought was born a few weeks back. At our Thursday night
Home Group we are reading the Gospel of Mark. As you noticed the above Bible
reference comes from Mark’s Gospel.
The
main point is about being carried by friends.
But
certain events of the past few days brought into forefront the blessing of
friendship. It is good to have friends, especially in times of need. “A friend
in need is a friend indeed.” The Book of Proverbs puts this way: “A friend
loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity” (Proverbs 17:17).
Friendship can have some burdensome surprises: it can leave deep scars in the case
of betrayal. Friendship makes it difficult, at times, to tell it as it is. See
quote on 2nd page.
“Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses”
(Proverbs 27:6) – this is wisdom from above!
There are some instances of the word “carried” in the NT which give
us an understanding of the importance of a friend’s action.
Friends have a great
influence on our lives as in Mark’s story (Mark 2:1-12).
The main point of the story is the healing – a clear demonstration of Jesus’
mandate and authority.
But… It is impossible to miss the gesture of the four men…presumably
friends of the paralytic.
They were not powerful enough to heal their friend; they were not bold enough
to ask Jesus to come and heal their friend; they were concerned to the point of
picking him up; take him to the place where Jesus was; digging through the roof
and placing him right in front of Jesus.
That was all they could do! The rest was up to Jesus. The most important part,
the healing part, was up to Jesus.
It is good to have friends who take you/guide you to Jesus…