Jesus returns to Capernaum after proclaiming the message in
synagogues and casting out unclean spirits throughout the Galilee region. He
draws a crowd wherever he goes, and his own hometown is no exception. Once word
gets out he’s there, it’s standing room only at Jesus’ house. The crowd is so
large that the entrance is blocked. No one is getting in or out.
Some friends of a paralyzed man approach the house, four of
them carrying him on a mat. Seeing no way to get near Jesus, these friends
climb onto the house, dig a hole through the clay and thatched roof, and lower
their friend down to Jesus.
Jesus looks up at the man’s friends. Seeing their faith, he
says to the man on the mat, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”
What a miraculous moment. Jesus doesn’t forgive the man’s
sins because of his faith; he
forgives them because of the faith of his
friends. It’s a miraculous moment for everyone who believes, because this
moment tells us that our faith matters. This moment tells us that when we pray
and act faithfully on behalf of others, Jesus is moved to make a difference for
them. That is a miracle indeed.
The religious leaders in Jesus’ day miss this entirely.
They argue about authority and blasphemy. They get bent out of shape because
Jesus is talking like God.
Of course, Jesus sees right through them. If it’s rhetoric
they want, it’s rhetoric they’ll get. Jesus can play that game, too. He responds
by calling himself “the Son of Man,” a title the prophet Daniel used to speak about
the One given eternal dominion by God. Then, to demonstrate the extent of his
power, he tells the paralyzed man to get up and walk. The man gets up and makes
his way out of the house. That shuts everyone up.
In total amazement, they begin to praise God.
Text for the day:
Things to think
about:
Daniel has a vision of the Son of Man interacting with the
Ancient of Days. Read about it in Daniel 7. In chapter 1, Mark calls Jesus “Son of God.” In chapter 2,
Jesus calls himself “Son of Man.” What does this mean?
Things to do:
Pray for your friends. Pray for your enemies. Keep faith.
Jesus,
be king and God in our world.
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