The scene in Mark 2:10-11 is unforgettable. A house in Capernaum is packed. People crowd the doorway, hoping to hear Jesus. Suddenly, pieces of clay and straw fall from the ceiling. Four friends have cut through the roof to lower a paralysed man into the middle of the gathering.
Everyone expects Jesus to heal him. But His first words are unexpected: “Son, your sins are forgiven.” The religious leaders are shocked: “Who can forgive sins but God alone?” Then Jesus says something even more startling: “I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the man, “Get up, take your mat and go home.”
The man stands, picks up his mat, and walks out in full view of everyone. The crowd is amazed. This is more than a healing story. In Jewish belief, only God could forgive sins. By claiming that authority, Jesus reveals who He really is—God in human form, with power over both body and soul. Why did He forgive first? Because our deepest need is not physical strength but reconciliation with God.
Illness can limit life, but sin separates us from the source of life itself. Healing the man’s legs was visible proof of an even greater, invisible miracle— grace and forgiveness. The faith of the four friends is just as striking. They did not stop at the crowd or the roof—they made a way. Today, many people are “paralysed” by guilt, shame, fear, or addiction. They may need friends willing to break through barriers to bring them to hope.
The friends in the story did not let anything stop them. This kind of bold faith touched His heart. Today, many people are “paralysed” inside—held back by guilt, shame, addiction, or sadness. They need friends who will break through barriers of fear or indifference to bring them hope. We are called to be those friends—creative, determined, and full of love.
