Mark 2: 2-12

So many gathered around there was no longer room for them, not even in front of the door; and he was speaking the word to them.  Then some people came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them.  and when they could not bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, the removed the roof above; and after having dug through it they let down the mat on which the paralytic lay.  When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven."  Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, "Why does this fellow speak in this way? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" At once Jesus perceived in his spirit that they were discussing these questions among themselves, and he said to them, "Why do you raise such questions in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven' or to say 'Stand up and take your mat and walk'? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins"---he said to the paralytic "say to you, stand up, take your mat and go to your home."  And he stood up, and immediately took the mat and went out before all of them; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, "We have never seen anything like this!" Mark 2: 2-12

During Lent, we reflect on where we have come from and where we are going.  We “journey” with Jesus on the way to the cross.  The culmination of this time of somber reflection is the great mystery surrounding Easter.  The “old life” is gone, and our “new life” in Christ has begun.  Carefully read Mark 2:2-12.  By chapter two of Mark, news of Jesus’ miraculous healings has spread.  There is such a large crowd following Jesus that the paralyzed man’s friends must lower him through the roof of the house to get Jesus’ attention.  The conclusion of this brief encounter is that this paralyzed man is able to walk again.  “And he stood up, and immediately took the mat and went out before all of them so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”  As you walk through the life of Jesus this Lenten season, I am certain that you, too, will have moments like those who witnessed Jesus’ healing of the paralytic.  We have never seen anything like this!  It is in the encounter with Jesus that we are amazed and reminded of God’s great love for us.

Almighty God, your Son came into the world o free us all from sin and death.  Breathe upon us with the power of your Spirit, that we may be raised to new life in Christ, and serve you in holiness and righteousness all our days; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. (Prayer is from the Book of Common Worship, 1993)

Reverend Kristy Forbes [Vits]

St. Mark Presbyterian Lenten Devotional 2002