Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily devotional. This week, we continue in our series, Luke - Exploring who Jesus is. Until September, there will be no videos.
‘Some men came carrying a paralysed man on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus. When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus. When Jesus saw their faith, he said, ‘Friend, your sins are forgiven.’ The Pharisees and the teachers of the law began thinking to themselves, ‘Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?’ Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, ‘Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? Which is easier: to say, “Your sins are forgiven,” or to say, “Get up and walk”? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.’ So he said to the paralysed man, ‘I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.’ Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God. Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, ‘We have seen remarkable things today.’’ (Luke 5:17-26)
Lesson: Let’s do all that we can to bring people to Jesus for salvation, healing and the many good things He gives.
Faith will be seen
This account is striking and helpful as the group brings their paralysed friend to Jesus, who forgave and healed him. This narrative teaches us what true faith looks like. Through their perseverance in bringing their friend to Jesus no matter the obstacles, we are told, "When Jesus saw their faith," indicating that true faith becomes evident in our lives and relationships.
Faith is often challenged
It’s instructive to observe that this group, full of love and faith and driven by a noble purpose, encountered obstacles in their plans. One might think, ‘I'm seeking to honour God and do good, so things should go well, and if they don't, I might become frustrated and even doubt God.’ However, these men overcome their obstacles through faith. Their unwavering faith compels them to persevere, even to the point of reaching Jesus by lowering their friend through the roof!
Those who come to Jesus receive many good things
When they approached Jesus seeking healing, they received more than they expected. He began by forgiving sins, which led to Him being accused of blasphemy by the religious leaders. Coming to Jesus results in salvation through the forgiveness of sins and answered prayers for various needs that people may have.
Jesus loves to see this kind of loving faith that brings people to Him. We are told that this man ‘went home praising God’ and that ‘Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, ‘We have seen remarkable things today.’ All of this joy and glory to God was brought about by simple, persevering faith.
Response
Let’s do all that we can to bring people to Jesus for salvation, healing and the many good things He gives.
How can we be more like this group of friends so as to experience a similar outcome?
Have you become discouraged because of obstacles to bringing your friends to Jesus? Do you need to trust in God and persevere anew? Will you do all that you can to bring them to Jesus for forgiveness?
Does your friend need healing? Will you do all that you can to bring them to Jesus for healing by offering to pray for them?
COMMUNITY GROUP NOTES AND STUDY
Until September I'll not be producing a group study. However, if you meet with your group why not simply use one of the devotionals as a basis for your discussion together?
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