sins are forgiven.” Now some teachers of the Law, who were sitting there, wondered within themselves, “How can he speak like this, insulting God? Who can forgive sins except God?”
At once Jesus knew in his spirit what they were thinking, and asked, “Why do you wonder? Is it easier to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up
your mat and walk?’ But now you shall know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” And he said to the paralytic, “Stand up, take up your mat and go home.” The man rose and,
in the sight of all those people, he took up his mat and went out. All of them were astonished and praised God, saying, “Never have we seen anything like this!”

REFLECTION:

The paralyzed man was lying helpless in his mat. On his own, he could not go to Jesus. This is where his friends entered the scene. What he could not do because of his physical condition,
they did for him. Even the crowds could not stop them from bringing their friend to Jesus. They climb the rooftop, made an aperture and from there lower their friends in front of Jesus. Friends like these
who go the extra mile for us are precious. They are lifelines in time of need. May we nurture friendship that brings out friends who love and care in good times and bad.

© Copyright Bible Diary 2021