In response to those who are unable to attend my weekly Bible study on the Gospel According to MARK (Sunday’s at 10 am at Hollywood United Methodist Church), I share my thoughts and notes from previous sessions. While I’m not a scholar, I am an enthusiast. Enjoy!
Jesus has been out-and-about, traveling on the outskirts of towns because his encounter with the leper caused quite a stir, especially among the city folk. There was good reason to keep clear of the crowds, but Jesus certainly knew he was called to be with “all” people. Plus, by returning to Capernaum, his message would spread faster and have greater impact.
Of course, his return (probably back at Peter and Andrew’s home) was met with an immediate frenzy. “He’s back!” “He’s here!” “Let’s see this man who can do miracles!” “Heal me!” “What good news do you have to share?!?” As verse 2 states, it was a mass of humanity desperate to meet the man who was changing lives.
A Thought to Ponder
Someone you care deeply about is in a dire circumstance. Everyone you know – even those in positions of authority (medical, religious,…) – says, “Sorry, there’s nothing we can do for this person.” No one gives your loved one a chance. But… word has it there is someone in town who’s different, amazing, touches lives, minds and hearts, and heals. No hocus-pocus; he’s the real deal. What would you do? And how would you approach the situation? How would you approach the person who could make your loved one, who is broken, whole again?
Inspired and with belief that a difference can be made, four men carry someone (who they care about and who is paralyzed) to meet Jesus. There is no way through the crowd though. Now what?
Did You Know…?
During that time, “most homes in Palestine had flat roofs. …There was usually an external stairway that extended to the roof. Often, as here, the roof was made of slabs of burnt or dried clay that were placed on supporting beams which stretched from wall to wall.” [i]
The four men broke through – giving new meaning to “through the roof.” They were determined and had faith that Jesus could renew their loved one in ways unimaginable by others.
In verse 5, see if you catch the key word (in my opinion) besides the obvious “forgiveness” portion. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” [ii]
What do you think? Anything make you go, “Hmmm”?
Their faith. Not his faith. Their faith. An interesting word choice. It was their faith that could move mountains. Did that include the paralyzed man – faith or faithless? Is it imperative that the paralyzed man have faith to be healed? Something to consider and the implications therein.
Oh, oh,… a dark cloud hovers and lightning is about to strike. Among the throng of people who heard Jesus’ words are some strict religious leaders. They’re highly offended by his “forgiveness” statement. Why?
First, “the Sanhedrin was the supreme court of the Jews. One of its great functions was to be the strict guardian of orthodoxy. For instance, it was the Sanhedrin’s duty to deal with any man who was a false prophet.” [iii] During that time, there were many who claimed to be the Messiah and all had been declared as false.
Second, for Jesus to say to this man that his sins were forgiven was beyond reproach. Only God could forgive sins. It was blasphemy – insulting God – and the penalty for such an act was death by stoning (Leviticus 24:15,16).
For this paralyzed man, these Leaders of the Law deemed him as “sinful.” In that day, many “believed all disease and affliction were a direct result of one’s sins.” [iv] Sin and suffering were connected. Consider Job (from the Old Testament). His friend, Eliphaz the Temanite, asked Job during his calamity, “Who ever perished being innocent?” [v]
Sad but true, how much has changed from then to 2012? I know people who firmly believe disease and affliction are a direct result of one’s sins. Do you?
NOTE – If you’d like to hear more about what Rev. Kathy has to say about this topic, a link (audio) to her sermon on April 15th – WHY!? “Does Everything Happen for a Reason?” follows:
For these leaders, forgiveness of sins was a prior condition to being cured or healed. Only God could forgive and heal.
The words of forgiveness have been stated for all to hear. There’s no turning back the clock. How dare Jesus give this man hope?!? How dare Jesus blaspheme God?!? The temerity of this Jesus! How dare he?!?
But as Norma Corral said to the study group, “Jesus knew exactly what he was doing.”
NEXT…
Paralysis by choice? …A magic act? …A death warrant.
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