Faithful Friends

A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Mark 2:1-5

As a man, it has become increasingly unpopular to ask for help, let alone receive help. We live in a culture that celebrates hard work and self-starters. Don’t misunderstand me; there is nothing wrong with either of those. God wants men to engage and actively calls people to join Him in His work. But could the pendulum have swung a little too far?

I am exceedingly guilty of self-reliance. Unsure where I developed this nasty habit, it has hurt me more times than I care to admit. I carry physical scars from two-man construction jobs done by myself. Then there are the numerous emotional and spiritual scars resulting from me trying to sort out my own inner conflicted man. This story in Mark should encourage us to seek brotherhood.

A paralyzed man with friends was not a likely scenario. On top of that, these determined and faith-filled men were willing to lug their buddy onto a roof. And it was when Jesus saw their faith that the man found forgiveness and healing. The point should be obvious: surround yourself at all costs with these type of men and be this man to those who need it.

DO THIS TODAY: Reach out to this type of friend and share this story.