Bible Reading: Mark 2: 1 – 12
Memory Verse: Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
The Bible tells us a story about a man who I’ll call Tobias. Tobias was paralyzed, his arms and legs didn’t work. I’m sure some people looked at Tobias and thought, “He has no future. Why would a person like that want to even live?”
We know that Tobias had four great friends. These friends had heard about Jesus, how he had cast out demons and made blind men see. Jesus was close by in the town of Capernaum, so they decided to take Tobias to go see him.
Those four friends each held a corner of Tobias’ mat to the house where Jesus stayed. They discovered a big problem. The house swarmed with people. The friends couldn’t get Tobias near the door. Everyone wanted to hear what Jesus would say and maybe watch him do a miracle. The house was so full you couldn’t even peek in the windows.
They didn’t give up. They saw stairs going to the top of the house. They gently carried Tobias up and tore a hole in the roof. They brought Tobias to Jesus on his own blanket hanging from ropes.
Jesus saw Tobias. He walked up to him and said, “Your sins are forgiven.”
Some of the Pharisees were there and said, “How can he forgive sins. Only God can do that.”
Jesus knew what they were saying. He said, “Which is easier to say? Your sins are forgiven, or rise up and walk. Then he turned and said to Tobias, “I say to you, take up your mat and go home!”
Tobias stood up, rolled up his blanket, and glorified God all the way home. I bet he and his friends jumped and danced with joy.
What about you?
Tobias had some amazing friends who made sure he saw Jesus. Do you know any “Tobias” who needs a friend?
Do you help your friends go get closer to Jesus? Or do you let them go their own way?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, help me to be a good friend who brings my friends closer to Jesus. Help me to be an example of your love and righteousness to everyone I know. In Jesus name, Amen.