COMMUNITY: GOD'S PROVISION FOR YOU

May 2, 2016

COMMUNITY: GOD'S PROVISION FOR YOU

Mark 2:1–12

Bryan Jackson

Central Truth

Since Jesus can do the visible miracle (heal the paralytic), He also has the power to do the invisible miracle (forgive sins).

"But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic—“I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.” (Mark 2:10-11)

Jesus Heals a Paralytic

1 And when he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. 2 And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them. 3 And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. 4 And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. 5 And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” 6 Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, 7 “Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 8 And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you question these things in your hearts? 9 Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your bed and walk’? 10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic— 11 “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.” 12 And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”

They were sweaty. Exhausted. Dirty. Hopeful. They were the first community group (small group of Christians who encourage and challenge one another in their relationship with Jesus).

Mark 1:21-2:12 is all about Jesus' authority -- over demons, over sickness, over defilement, and, ultimately, over sin.

In this passage, we learn of the faith of four men who loved their friend enough to bring him to the One who could truly heal him. Early in Jesus' ministry, people came from all over to hear Him and see His miracles. After all, no one had ever experienced anything like this before. In a small, crowded house with people overflowing outside, Jesus teaches about faith and the kingdom of God. And in this crowded, stuffy room, Mark shows us one of the first community groups.

The men came to Jesus carrying their friend on a mat. Not content to leave him at the crowded door, they picked him up, carried him to the roof, pulled the tiles and thatching apart, and gently lowered him to Jesus. Mark tells us that because of “their faith,” Jesus tells the man, "Son, your sins are forgiven." (verse 5)

Some who heard this outrageous claim couldn't believe what He said. "Who can forgive sins but God??? This guy is either crazy or a hoax." Jesus jumps on the opportunity. Anyone can say, "Your sins are forgiven," but not everyone can make a paralyzed man walk (verse 9). Jesus shows His authority and deity by performing the visible miracle, which gives weight to the invisible miracle of forgiving sins. Jesus has the authority to forgive sins and heal the lame because he is God.

These friends loved their "group member" enough to bear his burdens (Galatians 6:2), labor with him patiently, and carry him to Jesus. They couldn't heal him, but they could bring him to the One who could. Nothing would keep them from their goal. What a picture of community. What a love these men had for their friend. What a Savior who knows our true need.

1. Are you a member of a community group? If not, what's keeping you seeking out those relationships today?

2. Many of us pride ourselves on being good "mat carriers" for other people who need help. But we often forget that we all have a mat. How can others help carry you to Jesus right now?

3. Jesus did the visible miracle to show He can do the invisible miracle. I often trust God with the opposite: I believe He can do the invisible (save me from my sins), but fail to truly trust Him in the day to day (will I hit my sales goals this month?). Which part of your life is easy to entrust to God? Which part is hard?