http://bible.com/events/48743010
Redeemed and Restored
Pastor Kerry Willis brings the word from Mark 2:1-12
[1]Several days later Jesus returnedto Capernaum and the news of Hisarrival spread quickly through the town. [2] Soonthe house where Hewas staying was so packed with visitors that there wasn’t room for one more person, not even outside the door. [3] Fourmenarrivedcarrying a paralyzed man on a mat. [4] Theycouldn’t get to Jesus through the crowd, so they dug through the clay roof above Hishead. Then they lowered the sick man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus. [5] Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “My son, your sins are forgiven.“ [6] Butsome of the teachers of religious law who were sitting there saidto themselves, [7] “What? This is blasphemy! Who but God can forgive sins!” [8] Jesus knew what they were discussing among themselves, so Hesaid to them, “Whydo you think this is blasphemy? [9] Isit easier to say to the paralyzed man, ‘Yoursins are forgiven’ or ‘Get up, pick up yourmat, and walk’? [10] I will prove that I, the Sonof Man, have the authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, [11] “Stand up, take your mat, and go on home because you are healed!” [12] The man jumped up, took the mat, and pushed his way through the stunnedonlookers. Then they all praised God. “We’ve never seen anything like this before!“ theyexclaimed.
Capernaum was the town where Jesus set up His Galilee ministry. It was His new “hometown.”
The faith of the 4 friends pleased God the Son. (Note Hebrews 11:6 —“Without faith it is impossible to please God.”)
The doctrine of Jesus in the Gospel of Mark is recorded in Mark 10:45, Jesus speaking:“For even I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served, but to serve others and to give my life as a ransom for many.”
Will we be friends, even in these days, with a fervent faith that will focus on bringing our lost and “paralyzed friends” to encounter the Savior and Healer, Jesus Christ?
Do we have faith to begin bringing our friends back to church — to our Jesus gatherings?