Elemental: S2 - Day 26

Galatians 6:2 “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill  the law of Christ.”
 
I’m fascinated by Jesus’ healing of the paralytic  man in Mark 2:1-8. He obviously can’t get to  Jesus by himself. Four friends carry him. My  mind builds the picture of a group of five that  drew close as children. Did they give each other  nicknames? Did they call him “Quick” because  of his wit?
 
Then, in our story, when they arrive at the  home where Jesus teaches a houseful, they are  too late. The crowd is too thick. Their awkward  group of five is too large. They’re out of luck and  can’t get in. Or, can they?

We don’t know who suggested it, but it’s  probably the friend they nicknamed “Nine Lives”  years ago. Without permission, they climb onto  the roof and undo some tiles. Carefully, they  begin to lower their friend to Jesus. Almost  certainly, this is not Quick’s idea. Is he arguing  with his friends as they drop him, if only with  his eyes? His life is out of control. He’s a public  spectacle. As he falls, his field of vision is  limited to the impish faces of his friends.  

Then, suddenly there is another face  hovering over his. It is Jesus. Does the young man  recognize Him? Has he seen His face before? Are  Jesus’ eyes smiling at the adventurous spirit of  his friends?  

This profound interaction is described in  the same way by Mark and Luke. They say,  “When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the  paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’” (Mark  2:5; Luke 5:20) Let that sink in. “When He saw  their faith….” Does this mean Quick wasn’t just  relying upon their physical prowess? Was he  also dependent on their spiritual vitality? He  will run from that house, healed, forgiven, and  clean. Because of their faith?
 
Jesus will do anything to save me. And  when I’m at my lowest and can’t even speak  up for myself, there seems to be some faith  transference that God allows between  members of His family. I don’t know how to  explain it. But I like it. This would mean that  living in a spiritual community is my safety net  against spiritual lethargy and religious injury.  God’s desire to save me is way bigger than I had  thought. And not just His desire, His power to  save me is more significant than I had imagined.

Speaking of imagination—turns out Quick  was faster than any of his friends (who knew?).  They wouldn’t catch him till they reached his  house later that night.
 
1. Who has been a spiritual mentor to you?
2. When you’re feeling spiritual  discouragement, who can you turn to?
3. What burden do you need help carrying  today?