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www.biblegateway.com
JESUS' MINISTRY IN GALILEE
Mark 2 v. 1-12 (NLT)
Jesus Heals a Paralyzed Man
1 When Jesus returned to Capernaum several days later, the news spread quickly that he was back home. 2 Soon the house where he was staying was so packed with visitors that there was no more room, even outside the door. While he was preaching God's word to them, 3 four men arrived carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. 4 They couldn't bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above his head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus. 5 Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, "My child, your sins are forgiven."
6 But some of the teachers of religious law who were sitting there thought to themselves, 7 "What is he saying? This is blasphemy! Only God can forgive sins!"
8 Jesus knew immediately what they were thinking, so he asked them, "Why do you question this in your hearts? 9 Is it easier to say to the paralyzed man 'Your sins are forgiven,' or 'Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk'? 10 So I will prove to you that the Son of Man[a] has the authority on earth to forgive sins." Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, 11 "Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!"
12 And the man jumped up, grabbed his mat, and walked out through the stunned onlookers. They were all amazed and praised God, exclaiming, "We've never seen anything like this before!"
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We first read about this testimony in Matthew, and the same message still sticks out here in Mark: Friends. How important it is to have good friends in our lives! God didn't create any man to be alone. That Truth, doesn't only apply to marriage, but to the other relationships in our lives. We are created to commune and fellowship with each other. We're here to help one another.
The paralyzed man's need moved his friends to action and they brought him to Jesus-and nothing, not even a crowded room, or roof was going to keep them from getting to Him. When you recognize someone's need, do you act? Many people have physical and spiritual needs that we can meet; either by ourselves or with others who are also concerned. Human need moved these four men; let is also move you to compassionate action.
This message is timely, as there is a cry from many of us for the help of someone. Whether it's someone to talk to, pray with, cry on a shoulder, a ride somewhere, money... Whatever the need, someone in your life needs you. Pay attention and be faithful to God's prompting.
- BE THE FRIEND GOD CREATED YOU TO BE!
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Prayer: LORD, please show us how to be faithful to Your prompting to serve one another. Create in each of us a servant's heart, to serve the need You created us to serve. We're in each other's lives for reasons ordained by You. Show us how to encourage one another, love one another and be faithful to one another in accordance to Your living Word. Not looking for anything in return- but in purpose of letting Your compassionate light shine through each one of us. Make us better friends to one another. LORD, also make us aware of those friendships that have met their seasons. Everything we do, even our relationships should be in and have purpose. Relationships shouldn't serve to meet the need of an imaginary popularity contest. Thank You for being our best friend, Jesus; in Your Name. Amen.
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"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16,17
Resources: PTWG (prayer), biblegateway.com, NIV Women's Devotional Bible- Classic Edition, and Life Application Study Bible.
www.thegoodnews4yourlife.blogspot.com "Providing you with what you already have access to in the most convenient way. So that we all can continue to grow in wisdom & understanding of God." LT
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