The Pilgrim Path---The Gospel of Mark 2: 1 - 12 

And when he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. 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. And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. 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. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven." Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, "Why does this man speak like that? he is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" 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? which is easier, to say to the paralytic, "Your sins are forgiven," or to say,"Rise, take up your bed and walk?" 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." 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!"

---In this particular scene, we "see" that the Lord Jesus Christ is really moved when he "sees" faith in action (He actually gives the gift of faith---but He loves to see faith "used" by those who belong to Him)---Are you "using" your faith?

---Do not forget this sobering admonition from Bishop J. C. Ryle about Capernaum: ...what great spiritual privileges some persons enjoy, and yet make no use of them. This is a truth which is strikingly illustrated by the history of Capernaum. No city in Palestine appears to have enjoyed so much of our Lord's presence, during His earthly ministry, as did this city. It was the place where he dwelt, after he left Nazareth (Mt. 4: 13). It was the place where many of Hid miracles were worked, and many of His sermons delivered. But nothing that Jesus said or did seems to have had any effect on the hearts of the inhabitants...They were filled with wonder at His mighty works. But they were not converted..."Thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell; for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee" (Matt. 11: 23, 24).

---Perhaps the paralytic had begun to give up hope? Who knows for sure? But his friends had not given up hope---they made sure he got to The God-Man! and when they saw the long lines of people---pressing around the door---No problem to their faith! These were some kind of friends---and individuals --who believed in The Christ!

---When they "tore" the roof off---And let their friend down---Before Jesus---The paralytic's response teaches us: With all our outward concerns---We have to deal with the "inner-man" first---the concerns of the soul. Then, follow the Lord.

---Imagine: Being "lowered" into the presence of the most astounding teacher---healer---preacher---that has ever walked the earth---The God-Man. Wouldn't you feel embarrassed? ashamed? little? unworthy? Like --a sinner? And Jesus says, "Child---(that what it means) Your sins are forgiven----ALL---your anti-God allergy of the soul--- it's all gone!"

---The Religious Elite say within themselves (and yes---Jesus always knows what's going on inside) "He'd have to be God to do that!" ----Exactly---which is what the Gospel is all about...Jesus "doing" for us---what we can never do for ourselves...

---The Son of Man---in Daniel chapter 7, The Ancient of Days, confers upon the Him---The Son of Man "rule" ---such that people from every tribe, tongue and nation will worship and serve Him---He has incredible power to call and cleanse and redeem---Those He calls---serve Him gladly!

Approach, my soul, the mercy seat

Where Jesus answers prayer;

There humbly fall before His feet,

For none can perish there.

Thy promise is my only plea;

With this I venture nigh:

Thou callest burdened souls to Thee,

And such, O Lord, am I.

John Newton (1725--1807)

Grace & Peace in Jesus Christ Our Lord, Pastor Jason