The Paralytic Man in Capernaum.
There was a paralytic man who had been bedridden for many years. His life was depressing with nothing to look forward to. He was dependent on others from head to toe, for every need. One day his friends came shaking with excitement that the healer who had done incredible miracles was back in town. At the synagogue on the Shabbat, Yeshua of Nazareth had healed the demon-possessed man (Mark 1:23-24). After the sunset when the Shabbat was over, Yeshua the Messiah healed many who were sick with various incurable diseases and the demon-possessed. The whole town had gathered to watch this amazing scene unfold. Sick people went in, came out healed, and rejoiced. Not one sick person was left or turned away. He had left Capernaum to preach in other villages. (Mark 1:32-34,38-39) Now they had news that He was back home. A leprous man had been healed and he was telling everyone about Yeshua. The four men carried him to the house where Yeshua was preaching the Word. The trip was bumpy, his mat flimsy but he felt nothing. He was trying to imagine what healing, walking, running, jumping, bathing, and hugging would feel like. Everyone had been talking about Yeshua of Nazareth healing all the people in town and his family's hopes were raised. They were waiting for this moment with bated breath and here it was.
The Healer and the healing.
The house where the Healer was preaching was jampacked. No one would let them in. The scribes and Pharisees had come from afar, like Judea and all Galilee had filled the room to hear and evaluate the Preacher. The determined friends had to decide their next move. Should they wait for the healer to come out? Should they shout for the healer? Nothing was going to deter his friends, so they climbed onto the roof and began to dig through the ceiling dropping dust and debris onto the people in the room despite objections. Then they hauled him up with the greatest difficulty and let him down through the hole. He landed bang in front of the healer who was waiting for him. Yeshua could see the faith of these men and He was touched. Faith always impressed Yeshua, even though it is not visible to people. (Matthew 9: 1-8, Mark 2:1-12, and Luke 5:17-26).
The Son of Man.
Yeshua used the opportunity to prove he was the ‘Son of Man’, the Messianic title for the King of Glory coming to judge the world. (Daniel 7:13-14). He demonstrated His authority to forgive sins when the man was healed. The scribes and Pharisees knew they could not heal the man. Yeshua commanded the man to get up and be gone. In an instant, he was healed and walked out of the door and through the people who did not let him in, much to everyone’s astonishment. Yeshua proved that his sins were forgiven and he was healed of an incurable condition. I think he should have stayed back and listened to Yeshua, but for now, he was obedient. Maybe he was one of the crowds who followed Yeshua and recognized Him as the Messiah. Surely he would have jumped for joy, hugged his beloved friends, and thanked them profusely. He would have run home carrying his mat, trying out his new legs and arms, to meet his family and show off his miracle.
Having friends who believe for you is a miracle.
That a paralyzed man had friends is another miracle. Shut-in people are lonely to the core, longing to be loved and wanted. He likely had no sensation neck-down and his muscles were wasted/ shriveled from years of disuse. Judaism taught that sins were the cause of illness and disease. Only ELOHIM could forgive sins, not even the Messiah. Here Yeshua did both and exposed the leaders' thoughts in His answers and demonstration of his power.
Friends who believe
Faith in Yeshua the Messiah makes or breaks a person's life on earth. This decision to trust Him decides our future with him in eternity. Salvation means forgiveness of sins, healing of body, soul, and spirit, and eternal life with Yeshua. We are given only one lifetime on earth to choose whether or not we believe in Yeshua the Messiah. There are no cycles of life or multiple births. YHWH knows when we will arrive on Earth and depart. He has a purpose for each life with unique gifts and talents that we must use for His glory. Friends and companions are people we choose to be with. We identify with them and spend time together. Choosing friends who believe in Yeshua and building faith is an important exercise. We can love and pray for one another. When one falls, the other pulls her up. We can share homework and housework and give godly advice. The list is endless, but love and faithfulness cement a friendship.
Fairweather friends
There are people who we work, study, travel, or deal with who are associates. We know little about them and can light up with a fake smile anytime. An unreliable friend brings us to ruin if we trust him with anything. Proverbs 18:24. On the other hand, there is a friend who will stand with you through thick and thin and is more than a family member or relative. When Dan's father died after a short illness, the family expected everyone from the church to come and stand with them. Sadly very few came and only for the funeral. When all was done and dusted, Dan's wife said, " Now we know who our real friends are." During the Covid lockdown, Elaine had an accident, in which her lower leg was amputated. She had a long hospital stay during which a few friends risked their lives to visit her. That is the case, troubles filter out the convenience friends. The ones who want you to listen to them, to do this and that for them, but not vice versa.
Yeshua is your forever friend
Yeshua laid down his life for his friends so that we may find forgiveness of sins and become his brothers and sisters. He is the best friend to have. He will guard, guide, and warn you, love you to eternity, and bless you.
May ADONAI bless you with faithful friends of integrity and may you be a reliable and faithful friend. Shalom.
Comments