What Jesus Did! 'Faithful Friends' — Mark 2:2b-5

Wednesday, January 31, 2024

While [Jesus] was preaching God's word to them, four men arrived carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. They couldn't bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above his head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, "My child, your sins are forgiven."
— Mark 2:2b-5 NLT

Key Thought

Notice what is the basis of this miracle: "Seeing THEIR faith ..." The four men were the ones who helped make this miracle possible. It wasn't just their willingness to help the man, but it was their faith that if they got their friend to Jesus, then the Lord would do great things for him. They were right. The question, however, is whether or not we will be so bold in our faith with our friends.

Today's Prayer

Father, please strengthen my faith and use me to bring those who are broken, lost, and hurting to experience the gracious and powerful gift of your Son's love. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Mark 9:20-24
  • Matthew 8:5-10
  • Mark 5:35-42

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6 Related Resources by Heartlight

A Large Crowd Hears Good News
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"When Jesus returned to Capernaum several days later, the news spread quickly that he was back home. Soon the house where he was staying was so packed...."
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What would you do to help a friend? The best friends bring their friends to Jesus to be blessed and helped.
I Will Believe for You Until You Can Believe for Yourself
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During times of cascading badness, friends sometimes need to believe for those caught in the crush of seriously bad stuff. Phil Ware reminds us of Mark's story about Jesus and the four friends who dug a hole in the roof to get their buddy to Jesus.
The Story: Jesus' Ministry Begins
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Why does Jesus' ministry begin with John? Phil Ware continues his series on The Story and reminds us that we can all be John the Baptist, the baptizer, to people around us.
See All 6 Related Resources about Mark 2:2

Illustration

Illustration of Mark 2:2b-5 NLT — "My child, your sins are forgiven."

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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