17 On one of those days while he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea, and also from Jerusalem. And the Lord’s power to heal was in him. 18 Just then some men came, carrying on a stretcher a man who was paralyzed. They tried to bring him in and set him down before him. 19 Since they could not find a way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on the stretcher through the roof tiles into the middle of the crowd before Jesus. 20 Seeing their faith he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.” 21 Then the scribes and the Pharisees began to think to themselves: “Who is this man who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 22 But perceiving their thoughts, Jesus replied to them, “Why are you thinking this in your hearts? 23 Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? 24 But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he told the paralyzed man, “I tell you: Get up, take your stretcher, and go home.” 25 Immediately he got up before them, picked up what he had been lying on, and went home glorifying God. 26 Then everyone was astounded, and they were giving glory to God. And they were filled with awe and said, “We have seen incredible things today.”
Luke 5:17-26
You’ve heard the saying, “When one door closes, another one will open.” But what if the other door isn’t going to open? Are you willing to get creative if you run out of doors? Last year taught us that when things don’t go as planned, we have to find or forge new paths to continue our mission.
When the friends of the paralyzed man saw an opportunity for Jesus to heal their friend, they didn’t hesitate. But as they approached the door, they realized the crowd would hinder their mission. Now what? There weren’t any other doors to walk through. But there was a roof. Healing was waiting for the paralyzed man, and the guys were desperate for their friend to have it. With every shingle they tore off the roof, their faith grew.
Jesus tore the veil so that we don’t have to tear into roofs to get to Him. But our faith grows in trusting and believing as we rip off shingles. We’re all called to the mission of making disciples of Jesus, although that may look different for each of us. For these friends, they were called to tear through a roof. For the healed man, he was called to walk through the door.
So, what will you do when obstacles keep you from continuing your mission? Jesus has proved Himself faithful and worthy. May we approach Him with the same determination as these friends did. And as a result, Jesus may do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine.
Questions to Ask Yourself
- What obstacles have kept you from continuing the mission God has called you to?
- What are you willing to do to bring your family, friends or neighbors to Jesus?
Missions Prayer
Pray for our Hope for the World partner Siloam Health, laboring to share the love of Christ by serving those in need through healthcare, especially in the Nashville area. Pray for the medical staff, patients, administrative staff, and volunteers. Most refugees resettled in Nashville are cared for by Siloam Health soon after arrival.