Mark 2//Message Remix Pause

(1-5) After a few days, Jesus returned to Capernaum, and word got around that he was back home. A crowd gathered, jamming the entrance so no one could get in or out. He was teaching the Word. They brought a paraplegic to him, carried by four men. When they weren't able to get in because of the crowd, they removed part of the roof and lowered the paraplegic on his stretcher. Impressed by their bold belief, Jesus said to the paraplegic, "Son, I forgive your sins."

I remember the flannel grafts in Sunday School. You know what I am talking about? Those pieces of card stock with the special coating on the back that makes them stick to the board with flannel material on it. I remember my Sunday School teachers moving the players of the story around the board while telling us the story. I remember what they would tell us, "Look how powerful Jesus is! He can heal the man who can't walk!" What a great lesson for kids to learn.

But today I heard something different. What I heard was "look at his friends!"

Take a look at those guys. Look what they did for their friend. Look what they accomplished when they put their love into action. When they said we love you so much that we are willing to do whatever it takes. Do you and I have that same kind of passion? Do we have that same drive to bring our "sin sick" friends to Jesus? Do we have that same passion and faith? Do we really live this out in our life?

I need to work harder. I need to go to greater lengths. I need to have that kind of passion. I challenge you to do the same.