A paralytic and his friends
A paralytic and his friends
We often think that this man had four friends, but Mark lists his friends as them and carried by four men.
“Just then some men came, carrying on a mat a man who was paralyzed. They tried to bring him in and set him down before Him.”
Luke does not help either, but it seems there may be fewer friends.
“Just then some men brought to Him a paralytic lying on a mat. Seeing their faith, Jesus told the paralytic, “Have courage, son, your sins are forgiven.”
Matthew gives us fewer details.
John does not give us this story.
Do you have a friend who has carried you to Jesus? Have you been that friend for someone else? This man was well-liked he had at least four. The old VHS kid's show “The Story Keepers” told the story that he was drunk one night and fell and became lame a few nights before. So his family and friends took him to Jesus when He came back to town. There was excitement in the group because his injury was new and fresh. The longer it had gone on the fewer of his friends and family would be excited to get Him to Jesus.
The idea that he had at least four friends brought a verse to mind.
“What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? They are servants through whom you believed, and each has the role the Lord has given. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.”
1 Corinthians 3:5-6 HCSB
It takes all of us doing our part to reach out and bring people to Jesus. Paul had a role to play in reaching the surrounding world for Jesus. Apollos was also traveling and he would be following or going before Paul but very rarely would they meet up. We do not know if we are planting the seed or if we are going behind and watering the seed that has been planted already. But let us work together and not be people who will dig up a good seed to plant another seed.
“For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to evangelize — not with clever words, so that the cross of Christ will not be emptied of its effect.”
1 Corinthians 1:17 HCSB
Paul’s mission was to evangelize. Apollos’ job may have been to prove Jesus through Old Testament prophesies. What will your role be?
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