Mark 2: 1-5

2 And when he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. ² And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them. ³ And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. ⁴ And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. ⁵ And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”

Friends, we all need them.

We can’t live life without friends. And this was the case in Mark chapter 2. A paralytic man who had no chance to be healed was brought to Jesus by his friends. At this time, Jesus had become famous and many came to see and hear him preach.

When the four friends arrived with the paralytic, they couldn’t get near to Jesus. But that did not derail them. They made a way. This showed their faith and persistence. Instead of saying, “let’s find another day to meet Jesus, they went up the roof of the house and made an opening so that their friend can meet Jesus.

How I wish all of us would have friends who would go the extra mile for us. Friends who are full of faith – who would bring us to Jesus. Friends who when I hang out with -always makes me closer to Jesus.

When Jesus saw their faith, indicating that it was their collective faith, he healed the paralytic man. I am excited for what the future hold for people who have friends who love Jesus and who will bring us closer to Jesus.

As the proverbs say, “Tell me who your friends are, and I’ll tell you who you are.”