Saturday, May 12, 2012

SOAP on Mark 2:1-12

By Erin O'Hara


Scripture:
Mark 2:5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”

Observation:
-          “Their” refers to four friends of a paralytic man were not stopped by a full house or blocked doorway.
-          Spurred on by faith, these four men broke open a hole in the ceiling of this house and dropped their friend in need of healing at the feet of Jesus
-          Jesus recognizes a need (the paralytic man) and responds to faith (of the man’s four friends)
-          Jesus extends forgiveness to the man first.
o   We don’t know if the man was paralyzed by fear, unbelief or even if his physical condition was a result of sin in his life. But Jesus first addresses the brokenness of his soul before his broken body.
-          Later in the passage, Jesus gives complete physical healing.

Application:
-          What kind of friend am I?
-          Do I bring my friends, their sins and/or their needs before my Savior?
-          If a door is blocked or life is busy, does my faith spur me to hack through a roof, interrupt a meeting and take my friend to the Source of all answers?
-          I realize that many around me may be living in sin, unbelief or even paralysis – unable to have faith or bring themselves, their needs to the Great Healer.  I can have faith on behalf of those dear to me. I can pray fervently, believe on their behalf, bring them before Jesus and allow Him to respond to MY faith.

Prayer:
Oh Jesus, Healer, Compassionate Savior – Forgive me for the many times I only think of myself. Help me to have big faith for others. May I be challenged to invade a rooftop to bring my loved ones needs to you for complete healing. I believe you are the only One who can heal. Thank you for teaching me, using me and answering me.

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