2018-03-18 - Jesus at home

Jesus centered His ministry around the town of Capernaum which was located along the shore of the Sea of Galilee.

This story is taking place in Jesus' home. Maybe 1000 people packed into his house. So many that you couldn't even get near the door. Some men, we don't know how many but it must have been at least four, brought a sick and paralytic man to see Jesus. These men were not the man's family but more likely Essenes. The Essenes were a religious group in that area at that time that were known for helping people in need. There were so many people in the house that they could not bring their friend in. So they found a way. We need to be like them! They went up on the roof and cut a hole and lowered the man through.

They must have been good friends to do all of that and bring him to see Jesus. We should bring friends to see Jesus on Easter!

When Jesus saw the faith of the men, He healed the man. He said to the man, "Son, your sins are fogiven." This is the only man that Jesus ever called "son".

What kind of sins did this man have? Bad enough that his family must have abandoned him and his only friends were these Essenes. Bad enough to make him paralyzed and sick.

We need to be the kind of church where people come and receive the love of God and healing. Sometimes we need to carry them in! Let's do that!