Mark 2 is full of fascinating stories complete with heroes, villains, and the unexpected. The friends of a paralyzed man do whatever it takes to get him to Jesus for healing, but the mission proved much more difficult than they thought. Everywhere he went, Jesus drew a crowd. On this particular day, the only way to reach him was not by entering a home politely through the front door, but by cutting a hole in the roof. These men wanted to make absolutely sure their friend received Jesus’ exclusive attention.
But when the moment came for him to receive a diagnosis and treatment plan from the Great Physician, Jesus shocked everyone with his assessment. “Your sins are forgiven. Get up, take your mat and go home.”
And the man did.
His friends’ ounce of faith that got him into Jesus’ presence in the first place produced so much more for him than just the surface healing of his paralysis. He received freedom, wholeness, and the ability to function. Jesus knew this man’s paralysis was a result of sin in his life. If Jesus went to the source of his suffering, the man would enjoy so many more benefits.
Later in the chapter, Jesus meets Levi, the tax collector. Despised and ostracized as a thief, Levi fell into the Pharisees’ class of people known notoriously as “the sinners.” But Jesus comes along and sees Levi for who he really is. He offers Levi the invitation, “Come, follow me.” When Levi accepts, Jesus changes his name to Matthew, a name that means, “Gift of Yaweh.”
When society saw Levi as a crook, Jesus saw him as a gift. Where he experienced rejection and hatred, Jesus offered him acceptance and love. He gives Levi, known in the kingdom as Matthew, a new name, new purpose, belonging, and an important place in the kingdom. Matthew spoke two languages; the language of the Roman world, and the language of the Jews. Even though he couldn’t yet see what lay ahead, Jesus knew he would become one of the writers of the gospels, influencing people for generations.
This is what Jesus does for us. When we lay paralyzed in our sin and unable to function, Jesus sets us free. He heals and he restores in those places where we cannot change our situation on our own. We’re helpless to acquire the rich, full life we desire until Jesus steps in and redeems us. After this happens, we have new purpose, belonging, and an important place in the Kingdom of God. Jesus sees us for who we really are. This truth fuels our lives with meaning and grace so that we can move in freedom, and for eternity.
Amen!