Mark 2:1-12

Mark 2:1-12  And again he entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house.  (2)  And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them.  (3)  And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.  (4)  And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.  (5)  When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.  (6)  But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts,  (7)  Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?  (8)  And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts?  (9)  Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk?  (10)  But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)  (11)  I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.  (12)  And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.

Here we see Christ vs. the wisdom of the world (wise).  First we have the one who is sick, second his friends who would save him and third those who are surrounding and hiding Jesus under the pretext of listening to Him.  For those who are seeking and those who desire what Christ can give, be ready for a struggle.

Now, obviously there the crowd in the place Christ is at (v. 1-2), but this man's need is so great and his friends have great faith that if they can just get their sick friend before Christ, he can be healed.  How does one find Christ?  By listening to second hand accounts from preachers, teachers and books?  Those can all be useful things, but the best way is to get right to the Word.  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  John 1:1

These friends understood this and they fought to reach Christ, the Word of God (v. 3-4).  They climbed on the roof, dragged the litter with their friend up with them, broke through the roof (which they would have to bear the burden to replace) and lowered their friend down into the presence of Christ.  Nothing was going to stand in their way, they were going to Jesus.  How hard are you willing to fight for Him?  To the extent of reading a chapter or two of the Bible every day?  To the extent of praying every day?  What is your limit to seeking after God?

Jesus seeing their faith, gave the sick man not what he thought he wanted, but what He knew he needed.  He forgave his sins (v. 5).  Remember, God has a purpose for you, to mold you into something pleasing to Him, so you may not get what you want, but be assured that God will give you what you need for His glory.

Of course, there were those just listening in and murmuring against Jesus using their own reasoning and wisdom (v.6-7).  Jesus was ready for them and answered them (v. 8-11), declaring His claim to be the Messiah, the Christ, before the people and followed it up with what the sick man wanted because it was to the glory of God.

The reaction of the people is interesting (v. 12).  First they glorified God and then make a most interesting conclusion: "We never saw it on this fashion.", or we've never seen it this way before.  Remember, God does things His way and by His timing.  It may or may not be the way and timing you like, but rest in faith knowing that He will do it to His glory above all things.