Event
The paralyzed man through the roof
The faith of friends
Four friends open the roof to lower the paralyzed man down to Jesus, who forgives and heals him, proving he has authority to forgive sins.
The story
The house is packed. Four friends, unable to get in, open up the roof and lower the paralyzed man in front of Jesus, who says: “Your sins are forgiven,” and then “Get up, pick up your mat, and walk.”
The meaning
Jesus joins the physical and the spiritual: he heals the body to prove he has authority to forgive sins, something only God does.
Application
Sometimes it is the faith of friends that brings someone to Jesus. And Jesus’ greatest healing is always the healing of the heart.
Did you know?
- Roofs were made of clay and straw over beams, which is why they could be “uncovered.” Mark 2:4
Where to read in the Bible
- Mark 2:1–12
Connections
- done by Jesus of Nazareth · stated in the text · Mark 2:5
- took place in Capernaum · stated in the text · Mark 2:1
A Bible passage, a reflection and a prayer. You can listen to it.