4. The Paralyzed Man Through The Roof Series

THE PARALYZED MAN THROUGH THE ROOF

INTRODUCTION

You stand here today because someone brought you. A friend invited you. A family member insisted. You came out of desperation or curiosity. The story you are about to hear happened two thousand years ago in Capernaum. It speaks directly to your situation right now. This story shows you what real faith looks like. It shows you what real friendship accomplishes. Most importantly, it shows you who Jesus is and what He offers you today.

THE DESPERATION OF FOUR FRIENDS

Four men carried a paralyzed man on a mat. They heard Jesus was teaching in a house. They wanted their friend to meet Jesus. When they arrived, the crowd filled every space. The doorway was blocked. People pressed against the walls. No room existed to move forward.

Most people would have given up. These friends did not. They looked at each other. They looked at the roof. They made a decision. They climbed to the roof with their friend. They dug through the tiles. Dust fell on the crowd below. They lowered their friend down right in front of Jesus.

Think about what this required. Physical effort. Public disruption. Social embarrassment. Financial cost for roof repairs. They did all this because they believed Jesus held the answer. They refused to let obstacles stop them.

THE AUTHORITY OF JESUS CHRIST

Jesus saw their faith. He looked at the paralyzed man. He spoke words no one expected: "Son, your sins are forgiven" (Mark 2:5).

Religious leaders sat there. They were shocked. They thought to themselves: "This is blasphemy. Only God forgives sins. Who does this man think He is?" (Mark 2:7).

Jesus knew their thoughts. He asked them a question: "Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up, pick up your mat and walk'?" (Mark 2:9). The answer was obvious. Anyone could claim to forgive sins. No one could prove it false. But commanding a paralyzed man to walk? That would expose a fraud immediately.

Jesus continued: "But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins..." He turned to the paralyzed man. "I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home" (Mark 2:10-11).

The man stood up immediately. He picked up his mat. He walked out praising God. Everyone was amazed. They glorified God saying, "We have never seen anything like this!" (Mark 2:12).

Jesus proved His identity. He proved His authority. He heals bodies to demonstrate His power to heal souls. Physical healing serves as evidence. Spiritual forgiveness matters more.

YOUR NEED FOR JESUS TODAY

Your friends brought you here today. They told you about Jesus. They wanted you to meet Him. Or perhaps you came alone, desperate for help.

Jesus sees your faith. He sees your need. He has the power to forgive your sins. He has the power to heal your brokenness.

Listen carefully: sin paralyzes you more than any physical condition. You lie spiritually dead while walking physically alive. Guilt keeps you down when you should stand. Shame binds you when you should walk free. You carry burdens you were never meant to bear.

Romans 3:23 says, "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." You have sinned. You know you have. Your conscience testifies. Your actions prove it. Your secrets condemn you. Sin separates you from God. Isaiah 59:2 declares, "Your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you."

You need forgiveness. You need healing. You need Jesus.

THE CALL TO RESPOND

Jesus speaks forgiveness over you right now. He invites you to believe. He invites you to receive. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28).

Stand up. Pick up your life. Walk in freedom. Jesus died on the cross for your sins. He took the punishment you deserved. "He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed" (1 Peter 2:24).

Three days later, He rose from the dead. He conquered sin. He conquered death. He offers you eternal life. "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved" (Acts 16:31).

Go home changed. Tell everyone what Jesus did for you. The paralyzed man walked out praising God. Everyone who saw him knew something supernatural happened. Your life should be the same testimony.

CONCLUSION

The four friends brought their paralyzed companion to Jesus. They overcame every obstacle. Jesus saw their faith. He forgave the man's sins. He healed his body. The man walked home carrying his mat.

You heard this story today for a reason. Jesus calls you to come to Him. Admit your sin. Believe He died for you. Receive His forgiveness. Trust Him as your Lord.