Luke 5:17-26 | I Thessalonians 5:17-25
Honestly, it’s one of the most powerful examples of Christian community in the gospels.
Some friends are concerned for the health and life of a loved one. They hear about Jesus, bring their friend to him, and do whatever they have to do to make the connection.
But often overlooked is the moment and reason by which Jesus chooses to heal the man: “When Jesus saw their faith.”
Lots of questions can be asked about how prayer, healing, and even the forgiveness of sins works. There is no surefire pattern to make things happen. The faith we have in Jesus is not akin to magical incantations by which if the correct words or order of words is properly said, then we move the mountains by some divine code.
It doesn’t work like that.
But…when Jesus saw their faith.
The man, perhaps he couldn’t even talk. Perhaps he was out of touch in some way. He certainly was immobile. So he didn’t say a word to Jesus. We don’t even know if he demonstrated faith or belief that Jesus could heal him.
But his friends did.
Do not hesitate to bring your concerns to Jesus.
Luke 5:17-26
One day when Jesus was teaching, Pharisees and legal experts were sitting nearby. They had come from every village in Galilee and Judea, and from Jerusalem. Now the power of the Lord was with Jesus to heal. Some men were bringing a man who was paralyzed, lying on a cot. They wanted to carry him in and place him before Jesus, but they couldn’t reach him because of the crowd. So they took him up on the roof and lowered him—cot and all—through the roof tiles into the crowded room in front of Jesus. When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.”
The legal experts and Pharisees began to mutter among themselves, “Who is this who insults God? Only God can forgive sins!”
Jesus recognized what they were discussing and responded, “Why do you fill your minds with these questions? Which is easier—to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? But so that you will know that the Human One has authority on the earth to forgive sins” —Jesus now spoke to the man who was paralyzed, “I say to you, get up, take your cot, and go home.” Right away, the man stood before them, picked up his cot, and went home, praising God.
All the people were beside themselves with wonder. Filled with awe, they glorified God, saying, “We’ve seen unimaginable things today.”
I Thessalonians 5:17-25
Pray continually. Give thanks in every situation because this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Don’t suppress the Spirit. Don’t brush off Spirit-inspired messages, but examine everything carefully and hang on to what is good. Avoid every kind of evil. Now, may the God of peace himself cause you to be completely dedicated to him; and may your spirit, soul, and body be kept intact and blameless at our Lord Jesus Christ’s coming. The one who is calling you is faithful and will do this.
Brothers and sisters, pray for us.
Prayer
God,
How do you answer prayer?
Honestly, we’re a people of action, trained by modern education to know how to get things done. So forgive us for having certain expectations of accomplishment and timing.
Help me to align my heart with your timing, even as my mind goes according to a clock and schedule.
Even so…some people are suffering. People are in harm’s way. People are hungry or tired or confused or lost. So I do pray for them, God. And I pray for their actual deliverance and salvation. Is it appropriate to pray for the right faith to see them get help? If so, I want that.
By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.