A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”

Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, “Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?”

Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, “Why are you thinking these things? Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!” Mark 2:1-12

Devotion

In just a few verses, Mark shows us who Jesus truly is. He teaches with authority, responds with compassion, and reveals himself as Savior with the power to forgive sins. Before addressing physical need, Jesus meets the deeper need of the heart, reminding us that spiritual restoration matters most.

The paralyzed man in this story cannot reach Jesus on his own. He cannot walk or push through the crowd. His only hope comes through the faith and determination of his friends, who refuse to let obstacles stop them. Instead of turning back, they carry him to the roof and lower him down before Jesus.

Scripture tells us that Jesus saw their faith, the active and visible faith of friends who were willing to do whatever it took to bring someone they loved to the Savior. Before healing the man’s body, Jesus forgives his sins.

This passage invites us to reflect on our relationships. Are we surrounded by people who carry us in faith when we are weak? And are we willing to be those friends for others, praying, persisting, and acting in faith so that they might encounter Jesus today?

PRAYER

God, thank you for the people in our lives who draw us closer to you, who walk beside us as we follow you, and who celebrate every step we take toward you. Shape us into that kind of friend for others, friends who always point people to you and who are willing to press through the crowd, climb the roof, and tear through every barrier so those we love can encounter you.

Jessica King
Associate Pastor - Community Center

Resources

• Watch the Relationships Series from Crossings Pastors.

Read More Devotions

Explore other devotions like this one any time at crossings.church/devotions .