Driven by desperation
for the healing touch of Jesus
for their mutual friend
pinioned perniciously by paralysis,
and caring little for the august assembly
of pharisees and teachers of the law
from every quarter of the land,
who had gathered to see this spectacle,
this man of miracles,
they sought to bring their friend to Jesus
hedged in now by multitudes.
Gazing in wonder
at their love and faith
as they lowered their friend
through the roof
right to His feet,
Jesus then looked at the paralytic
discerning that sin was the root cause
of his bondage.
But when Jesus told him
that his sins were forgiven,
He saw the surprise and disapproval
in the faces of the priests and teachers
and read the accusation of blasphemy
in their minds.
Demonstrating His authority
to forgive sins
He told the paralytic
to arise, take up His mat
and go home.
Speechless with astonishment and awe
when they saw the paralysed man
made whole
they praised God
that the Son of Man
indeed has the authority
to forgive sin.
But it was true friendship
that brought the sinner
to the Master
for forgiveness and healing.
Mark 2:3-12; Luke 5:18-26; Matthew 9:2-8
Dr Oliver Seet –
is a member of Wesley Methodist Church and a Board Director of the Metropolitan YMCA.
Picture by /Bigstock.com