Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.
Lord, prepare me to receive your word. Clear my mind and warm my heart. Assure me of your loving purposes for me, and speak into my life today.
The four friends of the paralysed man are so desperate for his healing that they break open the roof so that he can get to Jesus. It's been suggested that Mark's Gospel may have been based on the testimony of Peter, and that perhaps it was Peter's house; whoever the householder was, he probably had mixed feelings about the episode.
It's a very powerful image. At one level, it challenges us about our discipleship and our care for those around us. Are we as committed as those four men to see our friends come to Jesus? Perhaps not.
The exciting entrance, though, is just the curtain-raiser for the real drama. Jesus tells the paralysed man that his sins are forgiven, drawing outrage from some of his hearers. That's easy: no one knows if it's true or not. Anyone could say it. But telling him to get up and walk is different. It's instantly obvious whether the person saying it is a charlatan or the genuine article. Someone who says that puts their reputation on the line.
This too is a challenge to our discipleship. It's true that everyone needs forgiveness from sins. But if that's the whole content of our gospel message we risk retreating into the realm of abstractions, where we don't really stand up to be counted. This story invites us not just to be bold in our claims, but to be prepared to back them up with evidence. What difference does our faith actually make? What does it change for good? What leaves people saying, 'We have never seen anything like this!' (verse 12)?
God, help me to be willing to take risks for you, and to back up what I say with what I do.
This reflection was written by Mark Woods, Bible Society's Editor
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