A Paralytic Healed

We read in Luke 5:17-26 the story of the paralytic man’s healing. 

Let me set the scene.  Jesus is teaching in a house “on a certain day” as the Bible tells us.  As was often the case, a crowd had gathered from all over the region to hear the Teacher.  This crowd not only included those with a genuine interest in what Jesus had to say, but the religious leaders whose only plan was to trap and build a case against Him so they could get rid of Him once and for all.

The house is jammed packed with people, and I love what the Bible says in v17.  “The power of the Lord was present to heal them.” Wherever Jesus went the anointing of Holy Spirit was on Him because He lived a life of abiding in the Presence of His Father.

There were four friends who knew if they could only get their paralysed friend to Jesus, he would be restored but there was no access to the house due to the crowd.  Their faith compelled them into action and they peeled back the tiles on the roof of the house and lowered their friend right to the feet of Jesus.

The Bible declares “when Jesus saw their faith,” not the faith of the paralysed man, but the faith of the friends, He declared forgiveness to the man.  Notice He didn’t say “be healed” or “stand up and walk.”

Jesus never did anything by accident, chance or coincidence.  The pronouncement of forgiveness of sin could only be made by God.  We see from the passage this declaration offended the religious leaders. Jesus perceived their thoughts and then really ‘put His stamp’ on this situation by saying: - “But that you may know the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins… I say to you take up your bed and go to your house.”

Sickness and disease in Bible times was considered to be the result of sin.  Jesus not only forgave the man’s sins but healed his body and the result confounded the religious leaders.  The man’s healing was instant and complete and resulted in him glorifying God.

Jesus is the same yesterday today and forever.  What He did for this man He will do for you too!  Forgiveness and healing were all paid for with the same blood poured out for us on the Cross! They are gifts which are undeserved, cannot be earned and ours for the asking!

What does your faith compel you to do today for a friend?