Tearing Through the Roof

Bible Reading- Mark 2:1-5(NIV)

A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. Finally, some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”

Tearing is pulling into pieces, removing coverings, and ripping something apart. It is mostly associated with destroying or ruining things. However, it could also be connected to breaking through a barrier to reveal a special gift that was covered or wrapped.

Many of us have heard about the paralyzed man and his friends, a popular story about Jesus’ miracle. But, more than the miracle Jesus performed in this scripture, I want us to learn something significant about the act of the four men who carried the paralyzed man through the roof; the passion they had to get the sick man to Jesus.

Jesus was in a house at Capernaum, preaching. The place was overfilled with so many people that there was no space left for anyone to squeeze in. Some of the people there might have attended many of Jesus’ teachings, and some had experienced the miraculous acts of Jesus. These people are also privileged to be inside with Jesus where they could have easy access to him, but the sick man did not have such a privilege. Fortunately, he had men who loved him deeply and recognized that he needed Jesus urgently. They understood that Jesus’ presence that day was an opportunity that must be harnessed, and they did not care how hard things could be to get their friend close to Him. They tore through all the hurdles and the roof, to get their sick friends to Jesus. As a result, the man’s sin was forgiven, and he received his healing.

2 Tim 4:2,5(NIV)- 2Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 5But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

God depends on his children to bring souls to Him. So many people out there are helpless, held down by sin, oppressed by the devil, suppressed by sicknesses, and burdened by worries. All they need is Jesus! But they need someone who can go all out of their comfort zone to lead them to Christ. Some even know they need Jesus but do not know how to link up with Him. God is counting on us to lead them to Him.

The paralyzed man knew he needed Jesus, but his problem was how to get to Jesus. His friends understood this and navigated the uneasy way to get him to the healer.

There are several ways to achieve the mandate of getting people to Jesus. Speak about them, share Christian materials, express genuine care about their needs, live a life that showcases Christ, and pray for them.

Bring your friends to His presence, lower them down by faith, and these will get them that divine encounter that will cause great transformation in their lives. Jesus saw the faith of the four men, not that of the paralyzed man, and forgave his sins. Your faith is needed to propel the healing and salvation of someone. Stand in the gap, and tear through the roof.

Prayer- Thank you, Jesus, for the word spoken expressly to my mind today. Please open my eyes to see the people around me who need you and do not know how to get to you. I receive the grace, boldness, strength, and wisdom required to do your will. I am ready, Lord, help me to be that pointer someone needs to see you. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.