Simply Blooming Grace

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Luke 5:18-19

Some men took a man who was not able to move his body to Jesus. He was carried on a bed. They looked for a way to take the man into the house where Jesus was. But they could not find a way to take him in because of so many people. They made a hole in the roof over where Jesus stood. Then they let the bed with the sick man on it down before Jesus.

Many Christians know this story…most of the time it focuses on Jesus healing the broken man on the mat. But what about the people that carried him?

They didn’t just pick up a stranger and lower him in—clearly, they must have been good friends—so good in fact, I bet they considered him family.

The man on the mat didn’t want to be stuck on the mat—he didn’t want to be sick. His pride was probably rubbed raw, because his body couldn’t do what he wanted it to do. He probably struggled with guilt, doubts, depression, grief. Being stuck on a mat when everyone around you appears to live a wonderful life had to suck.

But these friends— these loyal men were faithful to this man on the mat. They knew Jesus would heal him—even if he didn’t. They didn’t leave him after his long battle of sickness, but stuck it out.

Many focus on the fact that Jesus healed the man—but I see two miracles in this story. On the road of life toward healing, the LORD provided the people to encourage, care, and even carry him to Jesus. He knew the sick man needed them, before He even met face to face with Christ.

You are both people at some point in your life—the friend or the broken man.

Sometimes, I feel like the man on the mat— other times I know, without a doubt, I’ve helped carry someone else to be closer to Jesus on their mat.

PS Be kind and compassionate, you don’t know if they are on a mat or carrying someone else.

Rachel Redlin is a columnist, author, journalist, and award-winning radio host. She lives in Northwest Kansas with her husband and five children, where she writes about faith, food, and the simple everyday life. Want to read more or contact us? You can subscribe to the FREE newsletter at www.simplybloominggrace.com

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