Our faith affects others, which is a fantastic blessing, as it helps others along their spiritual journey. As we go about our lives, we often don’t realize our impact on those around us. Luke tells the story of men who befriended a paralyzed man, and in faith, they carried their friend to Jesus.
Luke 5:18 Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a sleeping mat. They tried to take him inside to Jesus, 19 but they couldn’t reach him because of the crowd. So they went up to the roof and took off some tiles. Then they lowered the sick man on his mat down into the crowd, right in front of Jesus. 20 Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the man, “Young man, your sins are forgiven.” [1]
While the men thought their friend’s greatest need was physical, Jesus first forgave his sins. Later, to demonstrate His authority to forgive sins to the Pharisees, Jesus commanded the man to get up and walk. Immediately healed, the man jumped up, praising God as he walked home.
The Heart of the Faithful
As Jesus looked at the men who carried their friend, He could see into their hearts. The faith of these faithful men stirred Jesus to forgive and heal their friend. The faith of these men was like a bubbler overflowing on those around them. This happens to us as we grow in the fruits of the Holy Spirit.
A friend went on a mission trip with me to a children’s orphanage in Central America. At the orphanage, he spent several days pouring the love of Jesus on these children. Many had been abused before coming to the children’s village. Through this ministry, many children experienced emotional healing, freeing them from painful memories.
Sometimes, the most significant wounds are not visible but are on the inside. When Jesus began to minister to the paralyzed man, He knew his greatest need was on the inside.
The Overflow of Jesus
Paul explains how we all have sinned. Romans 3:23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. 24 Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. [2] Much like the paralyzed man, we need our sins forgiven.
The overflow of the love and faith of Jesus led Him to the cross to die for our sins. It would have been easier for God to stay in heaven, but that is not what He did. In the fullness of time, the Father sent His Son to die for our sins so we could repent, be forgiven, and be called to faith. Jesus suffered for us so we could be set free. The Christian life is not meant to be lived out in seclusion but shared with those around us. Walking by faith inspires others around us to do the same.
To learn how our faith affects others, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/a-paralytic-healed
[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Lk 5:18–20). Tyndale House Publishers.
[2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Ro 3:23–24). Tyndale House Publishers.