I am struck by verse five in this chapter. Jesus is back home in Capernaum and is so popular that five guys can't get in to see him. So four of them dig through the roof and lower the fifth right in front of Jesus. And what does Jesus say? "Son, your sins are forgiven." But why are they forgiven? IT'S THE FAITH OF THE FOUR FRIENDS!
Not the faith of the paralytic, but the faith of his friends that not only healed him but also spurred Jesus on to forgive His sins.
So what does this mean? Can the faith of parents carry their faithless children? (Job comes to mind.) Can a holy wife "save" her unholy husband? (Paul anyone?) Can those praying for us in monasteries "save" us?
This story sheds a whole new light on intercessory prayer. Who are some in your life that you have wept over. Who are some that you have skipped days of eating in order to pray for them? Who are some that you have sacrificed so much financially to help them? Who have you placed before the feet of Jesus?
Take heart, your faith may be their saving grace....
And perhaps your saving grace is because someone else placed you at the feet of the Anointed One.
1 comment:
Wow, interesting thoughts on this passage. I'm reminded of "It's a Wonderful Life" when the whole town was praying for George Bailey.
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