When Jesus came to a house in the city of Capernaum many people wanted to come and listen to him. Many people came to the house to hear him preach and the house was so packed with people that there was not even room to stand inside. Some people even had to stand outside and listen through the doors and windows.

One man that wanted to come and hear Jesus was very disappointed. This man was paralyzed and could not walk. Four of his friends had to carry him on a mat. The man and his friends could not get inside the house where Jesus was preaching.

But the four men did not give up. They were determined to get their friend inside that house to listen to Jesus. What could they do?

Houses in those days had flat roofs that were made of clay and straw. They usually had stairs on the outside so people could climb on the roof to get some fresh air. The men had an idea. Maybe they could somehow get inside the house through the roof.

So, the men climbed onto the top of the roof carrying the paralyzed man. Then they started pulling off the clay and straw to make an opening.

The men kept pulling off clay and straw and soon the hole became as big as a man. Now it was time for their plan!

The people inside must have been very curious to see a hole appear in the ceiling. They could probably see the blue sky from inside the dark house. Soon something started appearing through the hole – it was a mat with a man on it! The man’s friends had lowered him down through the hole so that he ended up right in front of Jesus!

Jesus was impressed by all the trouble these men had gone to get him inside the house. He knew they must really want to hear the words he was saying. When Jesus saw their great faith he said to the paralyzed man, “Young man, your sins are forgiven.”

The man must have been happy to hear Jesus say that his sins were forgiven. But even though this man was happy there were some people who were not happy at all. The teachers of the law were always watching Jesus and checking to see if he made mistakes. They did not speak out loud, but they thought to themselves, “Why does this man say things like that? He is saying things that are against God. Only God can forgive sins.”

These teachers of the law only thought these things. People cannot hear thoughts that we have. People can only hear words that we say out loud with our voice. Only God can know what we are thinking before we speak words.

But Jesus is different from other people. What a shock to these men when he said to them, “Why are you thinking these things? Which is easier: to tell this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to tell him, ‘Stand up. Take your mat and walk’? Watch me now. I will prove to you that I have the authority on earth to forgive sins.”

So, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “I tell you, stand up. Take your mat and go home.”

Immediately the paralyzed man stood up. He took his mat and walked out while everyone was watching him.

The man was happy. First, his sins had been forgiven and now, he could walk! All the people were amazed and praised God. They had seen a miracle take place. Jesus must have the power of God! Everyone was saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”

And what about the man’s friends? If they had not had faith they would have given up. They might have left without finding a way to bring their friend to Jesus.

And how about you? Will you be the kind of person that will bring your friends to hear about Jesus?

Scripture Reference: Mark 2:1-12