The story of the paralyzed man brought to Jesus by four friends in Mark 2:1-12 offers a powerful lesson in faith, unity, and the determination to overcome obstacles. In this passage, Jesus was teaching in a home so crowded that no one could enter. But these four men, driven by faith and love, made a way for their friend to reach Jesus, even breaking through the roof to lower him into the room. Jesus “seeing their faith” responded, healing the man’s soul and body. In these actions, Jesus recognized qualities that He desires to see in each of us. Let’s explore what the Lord saw in these four men.
1. The Lord Saw Four Men Who Cared
These men displayed a deep care for their paralyzed friend. Their love and compassion moved them to take extraordinary measures to bring him to Jesus. This echoes the teaching in 1 John 3:17, which challenges us: “But whoever has worldly goods and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?” Love for God and others compels us to care, not just in words, but through action.
Jesus Himself embodies this compassionate love. In 1 John 4:20-21, we read that if we love God, we must also love others. These four men exemplified this principle by setting aside their own needs and focusing on bringing their friend to Jesus. Today, we are called to follow their example, seeing and meeting the physical and spiritual needs of those around us.
2. The Lord Saw Four Men Who Tried
The crowd blocking the door could have discouraged them, but these men did not give up. Rather than sitting back, they took action and found a creative solution. Their perseverance reflects a spirit of faith and determination, much like the lepers in 2 Kings 7:3-9, who chose to seek a way forward rather than resign themselves to death.
In Romans 8:31, Paul writes, “If God is for us, who is against us?” These men acted in the strength that comes from faith, a faith that declares, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). We, too, can persevere, trusting that God’s strength will help us overcome any barriers to doing His will.
3. The Lord Saw Four Men Who Worked Together
The unity of these four men is striking. They collaborated to ensure their friend would meet Jesus, with each likely taking on a part of the task. As Amos 3:3 says, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” Unity is essential for accomplishing the work of God, and these men demonstrated this by putting their mission ahead of any personal preferences or conflicts.
Psalm 133:1 beautifully captures this spirit: “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!” The church is described as the body of Christ, where each member has a unique role (1 Corinthians 12:25-26). Working together as a community of believers strengthens our ability to serve and reach those in need, just as these men united to bring their friend to Jesus.
4. The Lord Saw Four Men Who Wanted to Share Christ
Though these men were healthy, they knew that their friend needed Jesus. Their actions reflect the Great Commission, as they brought someone to Christ who could not come on his own. Acts 4:20 reflects the boldness of those who have encountered Jesus: “for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.”
When Andrew met Jesus, the first thing he did was find his brother Peter and bring him to Jesus (John 1:41-42). In the same way, these four men took on the mission to lead their friend to Christ. This should be our desire as well. We are called to make Christ known to those around us, recognizing that we have been entrusted with the message of salvation.
Conclusion: Emulating the Four Men
Jesus recognized the faith, determination, unity, and evangelistic spirit of these four men, rewarding their efforts by healing their friend. Their example reminds us of what God desires from each of us: to care deeply, to persevere in faith, to work together in unity, and to bring others to Christ.
As we reflect on their actions, let us ask ourselves: Are we willing to go to such lengths for those in need? Will we overcome obstacles to share the love of Christ? When we embody these qualities, we, too, will find ourselves instruments of God’s grace in the lives of others. And like the paralyzed man, many more will go on their way rejoicing because of our faithful witness.
The Simple Gospel 