Notes
When Jesus returned to Capernaum several days later, the news spread quickly that he was back home. Soon the house where he was staying was so packed with visitors that there was no more room, even outside the door. While he was preaching God’s word to them, four men arrived carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. They couldn’t bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above his head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “My child, your sins are forgiven.”
But some of the teachers of religious law who were sitting there thought to themselves, “What is he saying? This is blasphemy! Only God can forgive sins!” Jesus knew immediately what they were thinking, so he asked them, “Why do you question this in your hearts? Is it easier to say to the paralyzed man ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk’? So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!” And the man jumped up, grabbed his mat, and walked out through the stunned onlookers. They were all amazed and praised God, exclaiming, “We’ve never seen anything like this before!”
Mark 2:1-12
The mat represents a lack of progress. Many of us are “stuck on the mat” from things like our mistakes, wayward thinking, or things that have happened in the past. But God is about growth, development, and making progress. He wants to unify you with His people - the Church - and display Himself through you. In order for Him to do that in our lives, we have to lean into what He is saying:
1) Surround Yourself with the Right People
Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for “bad company corrupts good character.”
1 Corinthians 15:33
The paralyzed man was surrounded by courageous encouragers. They knew the person who had the power and compassion to forgive their friend’s sins, and they did what it took to get him in front of Jesus. Surround yourself with people of faith who believe that Jesus has the authority to change things. This doesn’t mean you take yourself out of the world completely and ignore anyone who’s not a Christian, but it means to bring into your circle those who will influence you in the things of God - people who will move you forward in your journey with Jesus.
When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some money. Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, “Look at us!” The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting some money. But Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!” Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man’s feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened. He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them.
Acts 3:3-8
And likewise, we need to be courageous encouragers for others. It is good to help with physical problems, and as the Church we are called to do so. But our main mission is greater: to bring the Good News to those who don’t yet know Jesus. We should do all we can to help people, and also do everything we can to get them to the feet of Jesus so that they can be eternally changed.
2) Lean in to What Jesus is Saying
If you love me, obey my commandments.
John 14:15
He told many stories in the form of parables, such as this one: “Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seeds… Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.” His disciples came and asked him, “Why do you use parables when you talk to the people?” He replied, “You are permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, but others are not. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them. That is why I use these parables, For they look, but they don’t really see. They hear, but they don’t really listen or understand.”
Matthew 13:3, 9-13
There’s a difference between listening and leaning into what Jesus teaches. Leaning in means listening as well as applying - letting it transform who you are, how you think, and how you act. It means staying hungry and humble. We can hear the Word of God all our lives, but our faith is dead if we don’t lean in to what He is saying.
3) Walk Forward in Newness
When the people heard the sound of the rams’ horns, they shouted as loud as they could. Suddenly, the walls of Jericho collapsed, and the Israelites charged straight into the town and captured it… So the Lord was with Joshua, and his reputation spread throughout the land.
Joshua 6:20, 27
New life with Jesus looks different. It means picking up our mats and moving forward, working to bring up there down here.
Group Questions
- What might make someone get “stuck on their mat”?
- Who are you surrounded by, and in what ways do they influence you (for good or otherwise)?
- What does it mean to lean into Jesus’ teachings?
- How can we “bring up there down here”?
Prayer
Thank you for new life. Surround us with people of powerful faith, and remind us of your promises when we face challenges.