A local man is stirred to pursue the man of God when Jesus comes to Capernaum. Will his disability prevent him from making the effort? Will he be able to get through the crowds? Will Jesus heal him like he has for so many others? Even though he is physically weak and dependent, his sense of defeat, desperation, and determination are all he needs for his life to change. Or so he thinks? When the paralytic literally comes through the roof of the home Jesus is staying, rather than immediate healing he is met with a profound declaration, "Your sins are forgiven." Four words that change his life even before the healing of his body.
How desperate are we to get near to Jesus? How often do we let obstacles get in our way? How independent are we that we cannot see our real need - the forgiveness of our sins? This story from the Gospel of Mark promises to change you if you are willing to start where this man began - helpless to change but hopeful he could. Jesus knows what we need most and at the center is our need for forgiveness. You can't get to heaven without it. May the Lord bless you richly from His Word as you listen to Mark's story of the paralytic. Pastor Larry