09
Man Through the Roof!
Luke 5:17-26
Simon smiles to himself - following this Rabbi, even though he had been hesitant at first, was definitely the right decision. Just look at how the people flock to Jesus every day to hear His inspiring words. And on top of that, He heals so many sick people too!
Yet, something irritates him - the Pharisees, who constantly follow them from a distance. They are certainly not there to listen! The only thing on their minds is the law! And they think of themselves as the elite, better than ordinary people. The name “Pharisee” literally means “Separated One.” Their movement began during the exile, and these scholars had worked fanatically to establish themselves as religious leaders.
One day, Simon overheard a few men grumbling about this new, unknown "Prophet" who was suddenly making such an impact. "He never attended any religious school! Where did He suddenly get all this knowledge? This Man could become a serious threat to our esteemed movement if He is not stopped soon! We must go and investigate what He is teaching before He leads the people astray.”
Today, Simon and his companions are managing the crowd in a house where their Master is healing the sick and teaching. But the friendly smile suddenly disappears from Simon’s face when he notices the people making way for someone to enter. A whole group of Pharisees push their way through the crowd and seat themselves in the front. They certainly don’t look friendly! The poor people sitting there had no choice but to give up their seats.
Meanwhile, elsewhere in Capernaum, a completely different drama is unfolding.
"That Jesus is in town," a man tells his friends, "and you must help me get to Him today. This is my only chance!" He is paralysed, and life has become unbearable. The poor man is entirely dependent on the goodwill of others.
"Don't worry, friend, we’ll make sure you get there." His friends are deeply concerned for him. They carry him on a stretcher through the dusty streets, heading towards the house where people are gathering. But even from a distance, they can already see the hopeless situation - the crowd is packed around the house like a swarm of bees.
"Don't worry," they reassure him when he looks ready to burst into tears. "We'll find a way!"
They put him down and strategise. "Look, if we can just get him onto the roof, we can lower him down from above."
Everyone agrees that this is a brilliant idea. "I’ll go get some ropes, and then we’ll lower his stretcher through the roof!"
Simon looks up, annoyed, as he suddenly hears noise above. "What are they doing up there?" he wonders, irritated.
Jesus' sermon is abruptly interrupted, and everyone looks up, startled, as someone starts removing roof tiles. "What’s going on up there?" grumbles an old, grumpy Pharisee. Simon's mouth drops open in amazement as he watches a stretcher, suspended by four ropes, being carefully lowered through the opening. People crane their necks in curiosity. Then Simon recognises the man on the stretcher - it’s the poor paralysed man from the lower part of town.
Looking up, Simon bursts out laughing at the four anxious faces peering through the hole. "Now that's creativity!"
He sees how Jesus gazes at the man with deep compassion: “Man, your sins are forgiven.”
The Pharisees nearly fall off their seats at this "blasphemous" statement. Over the murmuring crowd, Simon hears one of the grumpy men mutter, "I knew there had to be a flaw in His teachings somewhere. No mere man has the right to forgive sins! Only God can forgive sins!"
Simon wants to be furious at the man, but then he realises that his Master has probably seen right through this hypocritical bunch from the very start. Of course, He knows they see Him as a threat to their reputation!
Then Simon hears the Master say to the man: "I tell you, get up, pick up your mat, and go home."
With just a few words from Jesus, the man is completely healed before everyone’s eyes. He stands up as if he has never been ill in his life. Singing and rejoicing, he dances out of the house, carrying his stretcher, while the crowd shakes their heads in disbelief.
Simon chuckles to himself: "These Pharisees came in thinking they were in control, but this time, they’ve lost badly!"
The healing of the paralysed man is a wonderful story that not only showcases his faith and desire to reach Jesus but also the faith of his friends. They didn’t just believe; they put their faith into action, going out of their way to bring him to Jesus. It is a story of boundless love for one’s neighbour - an example for each of us! The paralysed man received something far greater than he had asked for! Not only was he healed, but he was also forgiven. Jesus restores the whole person, bringing him into harmony with God. Have you received God’s forgiveness?
Prayer:
Lord,
I praise and glorify Your wonderful Name, for You are great, good,
and almighty. Thank You for granting me forgiveness, even though I
don’t deserve it!