Daily Word Of God
Mark 2:1-5, 10-12a
When Jesus returned to Capernaum, some time later word went round that he was in the house; and so many people collected that there was no room left, even in front of the door. He was preaching the word to them when some people came bringing him a paralytic carried by four men, but as they could not get the man to him through the crowd, they stripped the roof over the place where Jesus was; and when they had made an opening, they lowered the stretcher on which the paralytic lay.
Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralytic, ‘My child, your sins are forgiven.’ But to prove to you that the Son of man has authority to forgive sins on earth’ – he said to the paralytic – ‘I order you: get up, pick up your stretcher, and go off home.’ And the man got up, and at once picked up his stretcher and walked out in front of everyone, so that they were all astonished and praised God.
Today's Pointers on God's Word
As you read the passage what words, phases or meanings caught your attention?
- This Gospel account tells us how a paralytic was healed by Jesus because of the faith of his friends, who overcame obstacles so their friend can be restored to good health.
- In order to emphasize that inner healing is more important, Jesus first forgave the paralytic’s sins before physically healing him.
- How often have our friends been God’s instruments in bringing about inner healing in us? How often have we overcome difficulties to bring others to Jesus?