Luke 5:18-19




You can imagine the scene. Jesus had become an incredibly popular preacher and healer, and huge crowds were eager to meet him. At the same time, he was arousing the interest of the religious leaders who were anxious about his growing reputation, and had come to question him.
On this particular day, he had decided to speak in the house in which he was staying, possibly because it was so hot outside. All of that meant that it was impossible for this group of men to get their paralysed friend anywhere him. But they were determined that he shouldn’t miss out.
The men climbed up onto the flat roof and started to dismantle it. At this point, it is wise not to think of the roof as being similar to your own! It would have been constructed out of mud and branches. The mud was as hard as concrete, but it would have been relatively easy to break through - although I am sure the owner didn’t appreciate the mess they made! It was an imaginative (and successful!) way of getting the paralysed man to the feet of Jesus, who promptly forgave the man his sins and healed him.


The only way in which the paralysed man could get to Jesus was through the commitment of his friends. Their determination and creative thinking were crucial. And it is still the same today. Many people will never hear about Jesus unless we show true friendship and think of creative ways of helping them to reach him.
For some years, I have been involved with a number of Christian organisations which seek to make it easier for people with disabilities to meet Jesus. One of those organisations, called Through the Roof, was inspired by this story. For all sorts of reasons, many people need help to get to Jesus. The question is: are we willing to be true friends and make this possible?




QUESTION
Can you think of someone who might need your friendship to meet with Jesus?
PRAYER
Loving Jesus, please show me how I can help others to meet with you. Amen

Released on 19 May 2023