Taking a Friend to Jesus (Mark 2:1-12)

This sermon was preached on 14/3/2010

Mark informs us that Jesus had returned to Capernaum. Commentators speculate as to whose home he was in, with most opting for the house of Simon Peter. Yet since Matthew 4:13 says that Jesus went to live in Capernaum, I see no reason why the house mentioned here cannot be his own home. In any case, the news spread quickly and soon a large crowd appeared at the house in order to hear what he had to say. Among them were some scribes, and they must have come fairly early because they were able, as usual, to obtain the best seats. But they were to discover that the best seats may not be the most comfortable.

The incident can be approached from different angles. For example, we could consider the miraculous power of Jesus and the reasons for performing such miracles – no doubt some comments made in this sermon will reflect this approach. Or we can see that this event contains the first signs of opposition to Jesus by the religious leaders, opposition that was going to increase, and again some comments will refer to this aspect. A third way is to look at the incident from the point of view of bringing a friend to Jesus and see in it a picture of how we can do this.

People become a barrier
The first point to note from Mark’s description is that sometimes people can be a barrier to spiritual blessing. This was the case here because the men could not get near to Jesus with their friend because of the crowd standing in the house and around it. Despite the fact that the man was in obvious need, the crowd were insensitive to his trouble and made no effort to help him. While this was the case physically here, it is also the case spiritually in many cases. A crowd can be a distraction or a hindrance in obtaining spiritual help for an individual, especially if many in the crowd are there for invalid reasons such as mere curiosity. They don’t understand the pressures connected to spiritual need and deliverance from it.

Priority of preaching
A second detail mentioned by Mark is the priority that Jesus gave to preaching. What is preaching? Basically it is the conveying of accurate information about Jesus by a Spirit-impassioned speaker to a needy audience. On this occasion, Jesus was preaching about the kingdom of God and how its appearance would be brought about. Not everyone at the house needed to be cured of a physical illness, but they all needed to hear the message of the gospel which would deal with their spiritual needs. The place where such needs are usually met is under preaching.

Plural ministry
Thirdly, Mark points out that it is easier to share a burden if those carrying it are plural. Depending on the size of the paralysed man, two may have carried him (one at the front and the other at the back). Yet it was easier for four to carry the bed, each one taking a corner. The men must have met earlier and arranged for how they were to proceed. In this they are a picture of friends deciding how best they can take another needy friend to Jesus. We can imagine two or three getting together to pray for a particular person and in that way carrying him or her to a service where Jesus will be preached about. Elsewhere in the New Testament, the value of a team ministry is stressed, and the actions of the men here is a good picture of such united service.

Persistent faith
Fourthly, Mark shows how persistent the four friends were concerning getting their acquaintance into the presence of Jesus. They did not allow an obstacle to prevent their progress. Instead of letting the presence of the crowd hinder them, they chose to take another way. Their alternative method was different and daring, but it did not cost much damage. It was straightforward to remove and replace the material of which the roof was made. Their diligence was rewarded in the sense that they were then able to take their friend right into the presence of Jesus. Often we have to persevere in a spiritual activity before we sense an opening into God’s presence.

Pleasing faith
Fifthly, Jesus responds to what gives him pleasure, that is faith. Mark says that Jesus saw their faith, which is probably a reference to the faith of the five men. Jesus delights in observing faith in him. Recall Jesus’ response to the faith of the centurion who asked him to heal a servant with a word. Jesus commented that he had not seen such faith elsewhere in Israel. What are the ingredient of such faith? They include dependence on him, confidence in him, anticipation that he will help.

Promise of pardon
Sixthly, Mark tells us that Jesus gave the man a special promise: ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’ We can imagine how the man would be a bit apprehensive – after all he is the one who is being lowered into the house. But instead of hearing angry words, instead the man hears words of affection. Further, he hears Jesus speak with authority, pronouncing that the man’s sins have all been forgiven. Here Jesus speaks with sovereign majesty, telling one who trusted in him that his sins had been forgiven. And in speaking with authority he also gives assurance to the man. The forgiveness that Jesus gave to the man was free and full.

The professionals
Seventhly, Mark refers to the professional theologians (v. 6). A group of them are sitting there and it is evident that they have a sound theology. They were correct to observe that only God could forgive sins. But sometimes sound theology can be blinkered when it comes to seeing the truth. It is not enough to have sound notions in one’s mind, there must also be spiritual love to the God whom they know a little about. If they had loved God, they would have thought, ‘This man who can do miracles also claims to forgive sins. His miracles are actions that only God can do. Perhaps this man is God.’ After all, they claimed to love the Old Testament and often in it God had appeared in human form. But they had no interest in meeting with God, only in speculating about him and assessing what others said about him.

How did Jesus respond to the professional theologians? He let them know that he possessed another divine attribute, that of being able to read their minds accurately. Not only did he reveal that he knew their thoughts, he also gave them clear evidence that he had divine power. It was easy to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven.’ In order to prove that he had authority to pardon sinners, Jesus healed the paralysed man. If he was a fake, then would God not have prevented the healing? Still, such was their animosity that they had no interest in the forgiveness that Jesus could give.

Power of Jesus
Eighthly, Jesus turns to the paralytic and commands him to do three things that he had not done for a long time: (1) stand, (2) pick up his bed and (3) go home. The man did so and discovered that he had received the strength from Jesus. If he had merely thought about the commands of Jesus, the man would never have known if he had the strength or not. But once he attempted to obey, he discovered that he had the ability. Some of us are merely thinking about whether or not Jesus has given you strength. You will not find out until you attempt to obey him. For example, some may want to profess Jesus next week at the Lord’s Supper. You sense that you love him, that he has forgiven your sins. Now you wonder if he will give you strength. I can assure you that he will, but you will not know it until you take a step in obedience.

Praise of God
The last detail that Mark mentions is that the crowd began to praise God. They did so once they saw the man walking; they grasped what the scribes failed to see – that God was at work.. The same goes for ourselves. Others will praise God when they see us obeying him.