November 20, 2022
Gospel – January 17, 2020 – Mark 2:1-12
When Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days,
it became known that he was at home.
Many gathered together so that there was no longer room for them,
not even around the door,
and he preached the word to them.
They came bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men.
Unable to get near Jesus because of the crowd,
they opened up the roof above him.
After they had broken through,
they let down the mat on which the paralytic was lying.
When Jesus saw their faith, he said to him,
“Child, your sins are forgiven.”
Now some of the scribes were sitting there asking themselves,
“Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming.
Who but God alone can forgive sins?”
Jesus immediately knew in his mind what
they were thinking to themselves,
so he said, “Why are you thinking such things in your hearts?
Which is easier, to say to the paralytic,
‘Your sins are forgiven,’
or to say, ‘Rise, pick up your mat and walk’?
But that you may know
that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth”
–he said to the paralytic,
“I say to you, rise, pick up your mat, and go home.”
He rose, picked up his mat at once,
and went away in the sight of everyone.
They were all astounded
and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this.”
So many perspectives here. Those in the home. Those just outside. The scribes already plotting. The paralytic.
But imagine being one of the friends of the paralytic. You’ve carried him to (likely) Simon’s home only to find your way blocked by others seeking a cure. No one’s giving way.
No big deal. They just climb the stairs and when there is no opening – they make one. Their friend will get before Jesus. What love they have for their friend. What faith they have in Jesus.
Do we love this way? Do we have this kind of faith?
Jesus forgave his sins because that was most important.
He had him rise and walk to prove he could also forgive sins. In doing so he also gave the church leadership the ammo needed to eventually put him to death – the idea of his being blasphemous.
The journey toward salvation quickens.
At least that’s what I heard Him say…
What I Heard Him Say 