Daily Bread

First, the faith of some friends (17-20). While Jesus was teaching in a house and a great crowd surrounded him, some men came with a paralyzed man on a mat. They were true friends, for they brought their buddy to Jesus. They even dug a hole in the roof and lowered their paralyzed friend on a mat right in front of Jesus. When we want to help a friend, we must overcome obstacles to bring that person to Jesus. Jesus recognized their faith and in turn forgave the man's sins. Second, the authority to forgive sins (21-26). Some Pharisees who were there began to think that Jesus had spoken blasphemy. Jesus knew exactly what they were thinking and challenged them, saying, 'Which is easier: to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk'?' Then Jesus commanded the man with the authority of God to get up, pick up his mat and walk. Immediately, the man got up, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God. Through this event Jesus displayed that he is God who has power to make the paralyzed walk and authority to forgive our sins (24).

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your grace of forgiveness and your power to change lives. Help me to get up from my despair and walk by faith today.

One Word: Get up!