I’m sure you are all aware that the title for this week’s post did not originate with me, but rather was the smash hit of the Hollies recorded in 1969. This song was released during a critical time in our nation’s history and the beautiful lyrics convey a message of compassion, unity, and genuine care for others. Since that time the song, having obtained worldwide attention, continues to be performed across the globe. As I considered this, I realized the continued acclaim of this song is attributed to the profound lyrics portraying a visual of loving friendship in action; a picture our world desperately desires to see.

Love in action…
In light of this truth, I am led to reflect upon an inspiring gospel narrative involving a paralytic and his four committed, persistent friends. Although this is a short story, it is long on principle and application and is therefore worthy of time and consideration. The story begins as Jesus has recently returned to His hometown of Capernaum. The news that Jesus is now in town has rapidly spread, resulting in a jam-packed house of visitors. Eventually the house becomes too full to accommodate additional guests, creating a mass of people congregating outside the home.

About this same time, four unnamed men arrive carrying a paralytic man on a mat, as they are convinced that Jesus can help their friend. Upon arrival however, these caring individuals realize they have just hit a major roadblock as the mass of people in and outside the home have made it impossible for them to get anywhere near Jesus. Finally, after considering all their viable options, this determined foursome concluded that the only way to get their friend to Jesus would be through the roof. (As a side note, I think it is worth mentioning that in addition to these four men being unnamed, the homeowner, who was left with a significant hole in his roof, is also not mentioned!)

Moving on….
What happens next is an incredibly significant feature of this story, as the account records Jesus seeing, as in acknowledging or perceiving, the faith of these four men. To be clear, while there is no mention of the paralytic’s faith, this does not imply in any way that he was faithless. Additionally, nowhere in this narrative is there mention of these four men abducting their friend or bringing him to Jesus against his will. I share this only as I believe this man was a willing participant in his own rescue mission. I am convinced he must have had at least some measure of faith, otherwise he never would have allowed himself to be hijacked from his home, transported on a mat, and eventually let down through a roof. But regardless of the paralytic’s personal belief or conviction, it was the faith of this man’s friends that caught Jesus’ attention and moved Him into action.

The critics…
This story ends well for just about everyone involved; primarily the man that was healed, his friends that loved him, and the crowd of bystanders that were privileged to witness a miracle. Unfortunately however, the religious leaders were in a tizzy regarding Jesus’ so-called blasphemous claims to have authority, not simply to heal, but more significantly to forgive sins. Jesus did not defend Himself, nor did He enter a debate with His critics. Instead, He wisely proposed one thought-provoking question, provided one piece of proof, followed by one authoritative command, resulting in one amazing miracle, and one happy ending.

The Question
Is it easier to say to the paralyzed man ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk’?
Mark 2:9 (NLT)

The Proof
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…
Mark 2:10 (NLT)

The Command
Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!
Mark 2:11 (NLT)

The Miracle
And the man jumped up, grabbed his mat, and walked out through the stunned onlookers.

The Happy Ending
They were all amazed and praised God, exclaiming, “We’ve never seen anything like this before!”
Mark 2:12 (NLT)

This is an uplifting and encouraging narrative. Each time I read it I receive a fresh perspective. And God’s Word is just like this. It never grows stale, boring, irrelevant, or dated. Rather it continues to provide practical applications for every circumstance and in every season of life.

A Present-day Mat Carrier
I began this post by sharing a story from antiquity regarding four compassionate friends. So to balance this I’ve chosen to end by sharing a positive story about my friend Tracy, a beautiful example of a present day mat carrier. I met Tracy in bible study. She exudes warmth, care, and genuine love for others, not to mention she is funny and has a contagious laugh. I enjoy Tracy’s friendship and her presence in our class. This is why I was disappointed when I learned that Tracy would not be returning this semester until I understood her reason. And here’s the explanation: Tracy has made the decision to put her personal agenda aside this semester to support a friend in need by taking her to weekly chemotherapy appointments. Just to be clear, Tracy did not make this choice out of obligation or religious duty, but rather to honor God by demonstrating love to a friend. She is a beautiful description of a mat carrier, and I am both inspired and humbled by her compassion and care.

A Closing Word About Carrying

In closing, I believe based on scripture, that we are each called to take the committed action of the friends described in this narrative. While we may not be required to carry someone physically on a mat, and will more than likely never be asked to lower anyone through a neighbor’s roof, we are however exhorted to carry one another spiritually through prayer, encouragement, and tangible care. Equally important, there will undoubtedly arise seasons in our lives when we find ourselves on the other side of the mat, needing assistance and aid, and there is no shame in this. Instead, in these times we need to humbly receive the support of our brothers and sisters in Christ by allowing them to carry us.

He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother
Songwriters: Bob Russell / Bobby Scott

The road is long
With many a winding turn
That leads us to who knows where, who knows where
But I’m strong
Strong enough to carry him
He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother

… So on we go
His welfare is of my concern
No burden is he to bear
We’ll get there
… For I know
He would not encumber me
He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother….

For reflection…

Read Mark 2:1-12
Consider what portion or principle in this story impacts you the most and why.

In addition to prayer, contemplate other ways to practically carry, or care for others.

Is there someone in your life that the Lord may be calling you to come alongside and carry in a spiritual, physical, relational or emotional sense?

Finally, are you willing to allow others to care for you and carry you when you find yourself in need?