BEYOND PARALYSIS
(7-minute read)
When four men brought a paralytic into full view before Jesus, everyone took one look at the man’s physical handicap and thought they knew exactly what he lacked and what he needed. Often, that’s how we sum up each other’s struggles, strengths and successes – by drawing inferences from their present situations and presenting symptoms. We rely on visual cues instead of making deeper connections.
The Bible tells us that four men were on a mission to get their paralyzed friend to Jesus. News had gotten out that the Lord had returned to His hometown, and a sea of people soon showed up where He was staying. The place quickly filled to capacity with people positioned elbow to elbow. It was literally impossible to see Jesus, let alone reach Him. Undaunted, these men got innovative. They looked at where Jesus had settled Himself, proceeded to make an opening through the roof above Him, and dramatically lowered their disabled friend, suspended from the ceiling. Now their friend would have a clear and unhindered line of sight to Jesus.
The spectacular entrance set the stage for something no one expected; not the least of which the teachers of the law who, in all likelihood, occupied front row seats facing Jesus where they could best scrutinize His actions and undermine His credibility.
Twelve verses in Mark 2:1-12 provide us with a moment-by-moment retelling of what happened that day. They reveal three important truths about the men involved and about Jesus.
FAITH & FAITHFULNESS OF 5 MEN
Whether the four were kind Samaritans, friends, family or neighbours who helped the paralytic, or if they damaged the roof when they created an opening made no material difference to the risks involved in what they did. No one in the gathering that day could ignore the distracting noise overhead as the men dug through the roofing, then proceeded to create a visible hole that opened up to the skies above, and the gasps it elicited when they “lowered the mat the man was lying on” (Mark 2:4). Immediately, Jesus saw the collective faith of the four helpers and the one being helped (Mark 2:5).
Regardless how much faith the paralytic had, or how much faith the four men had in God’s miraculous healing for him – the mat could not elevate the man and fly him to Jesus on its own. Yet, by taking the risks that they took together, their endeavour became less daunting, their faith became more galvanized, and their hope took on a new life.
“Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.” (Hebrews 11:1).
And the Lord also saw the faithfulness in the relationship between these five men. Four selfless individuals followed through on their good intentions and took the initiative to do something for someone in need. Clearly, someone among them believed that Jesus could reverse paralysis and that it did not need to be permanent! Faithful friends elevate us when they don’t over-empathize or pander to our inertia and refusal to take risks.
Today, many of us live time-strapped lives and it becomes easy to talk about faith in God without actually showing up for each other. We say, no one told us, yet we live in a world that is more digitally connected than ever - crossing time and geographical boundaries. We prefer superficial reading of circumstances and are content with text messages and emojis to show ‘we are there for you’ but they do not automatically translate into ‘we are here with you’.
It is clear that faith in God and faithfulness to each other were critical components of the miracle experienced by the paralytic. It involved all five men: not only the helpers but also the recipient of help.
How can we be that faithful friend who elevates faith in someone through the human touch that expresses who God is?
Proverbs 3:3 instructs us, “Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them round your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.”
JESUS KNOWS WHAT WE NEED MOST
Jesus did not just see a paralytic on the mat, He saw what kept the man on the mat. Beyond his physical handicap was sin, shame and brokenness. Even if he could walk in the next minute, he would continue to live a broken life with a broken heart and broken relationships.
There are all kinds of mats that we can hide behind. What they all have in common is that they are all timeworn and have seen better days. Some mats are luxurious, others have words of grandiosity. Mats don’t hold the promise of better days ahead, they only keep us from facing our greatest fears. They make us passive and limit our response to life.
Upon seeing him, the Lord’s response to the paralytic was immediately personal, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’ This was a highly controversial move because He did not address the man’s obvious physical disability. Surely, a disabled man needs mobility more than he needs forgiveness! He needed to empty his bladder and bowel independently so he would not stink. He needed to get clean water to bathe himself. Like everyone else, he needed a regular change of clothes - on his own.
So, you could not miss the groan of disappointment that replaced the gasp when the man made his overhead entry. Instantly, there was an uproar among the teachers of the law, “‘Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?’” (Mark 2:7).
Perhaps, the four men also thought that Jesus had misread their bold move! But Jesus knew that there was something else that immobilized the man beyond his paralysis. He needed forgiveness more than anything at that point in his life. And Jesus was the type of friend who would not avoid saying what was necessary if it was important. Notice also the conciliatory tone when Jesus called the paralysed man ‘son’. Tellingly, the man did not put up any protest nor tell Jesus that he didn’t go to great lengths only to be forgiven. This reveals to us that Jesus knew best what he needed and that his miracle could happen only after he started to trust again.
Knowing now that God knows beyond what we think we need, let Him reveal to you what is holding you back from your next life-changing miracle.
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matthew 6:14-15).
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Colossians 3:13).
AUTHORITY AND POWER OF JESUS
Jesus was preaching the Word to many who had gathered expecting to see nothing more than a person and a performance. They did not see Jesus as the Son of the Living God but only a teacher who was a crowd-puller. Yet, today, because Matthew 28:18 tells us that Jesus has power and authority, we can choose a different response in life.
We will pray differently – without any backup plans.
We will live differently – no matter what life throws at us.
We will respond differently – not with resignation but resolved that there is no finality in our situation until God says it is done.
The apostle Paul made it very clear, “For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him.” (Colossians 1:16).
This is a summary and reflection based on a virtual BIR Session held on 4 October 2025.
