Mark 2:1-12 (NRSV)
Read Mark 2:1-12 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 2When he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. Verse 2So many gathered around that there was no longer room for them, not even in front of the door; and he was speaking the word to them. Verse 3Then some people came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. Verse 4And when they could not bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and after having dug through it, they let down the mat on which the paralytic lay. Verse 5When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven." Verse 6Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, Verse 7"Why does this fellow speak in this way? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" Verse 8At once Jesus perceived in his spirit that they were discussing these questions among themselves; and he said to them, "Why do you raise such questions in your hearts? Verse 9Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Stand up and take your mat and walk'? Verse 10But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins" -he said to the paralytic- Verse 11"I say to you, stand up, take your mat and go to your home." Verse 12And he stood up, and immediately took the mat and went out before all of them; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, "We have never seen anything like this!"
Devotion
It was the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry and his teachings and miracles were reaching people. A great parade began to form, which would follow him up to the point of his crucifixion.
In today’s text we read that the house in which he was teaching could not hold the crowd that had gathered to hear him. The crowd was so intense that a hole in the roof was made to lower a lame man before Jesus.
Jesus pronounces forgiveness for the sick man. When his authority to forgive is challenged, he heals the lame man and sends him home carrying his bed.
This miracle is the real thing. This is not just a rehearsal for some later drama God may give to creation and creatures. This was the beginning that continues even now to offer healing of mind, body and spirit through the authority of God.
Prayer
Thank you, gracious Lord, for sharing life, love and power with us so that we can know the wholeness of abundant life in you. Amen