Saturday, April 5, 2025  

Today's Scripture
Mark 2:1–12

When he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. So many gathered around that there was no longer room for them, not even in front of the door; and he was speaking the word to them. Then some people came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. And when they could not bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and after having dug through it, they let down the mat on which the paralytic lay. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, “Why does this fellow speak in this way? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” At once Jesus perceived in his spirit that they were discussing these questions among themselves; and he said to them, “Why do you raise such questions in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and take your mat and walk’? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” — he said to the paralytic — “I say to you, stand up, take your mat and go to your home.” And he stood up, and immediately took the mat and went out before all of them; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!” (NRSV)

Reflection

This specific story of Jesus is so vivid. There’s so much going on: Jesus is home, swarmed by crowds, arguing with the religious leaders, and healing someone who was unable to walk. There’s a lot to take in, but this time around I’m drawn to the friends of the paralytic.

At least I assume they’re friends. While they’re only noted as “people” in this passage, I think you’d probably have to be pretty good friends with someone if you’re going to literally dig through a roof, destroying someone else’s house, to help them out. It’s a blessing to have friends like that, who will be there when it matters most.

But Jesus also challenges us to expand whom we view as a friend. We don’t get to pick and choose whom we love; Christ calls us to treat everyone as his beloved children. Maybe that’s why these four “people” are never actually named in this story. Maybe they weren’t friends; maybe this was the first time these five people had met.

This story has so much to teach us, but in this moment, I think that this group is calling us to love and embrace our family, friends, and community and be there for them in every way we possibly can. But it’s also calling us to expand that community of love. We live in a world full of division, and the best antidote for that is true, authentic, selfless, loving community.

Prayer
Loving God, thank you for the communities you have given me. Help me to live and be present in this world and expand your community of grace. Amen.

Written by Jared Light, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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