( Mark 2:1-12 ) - [ Deutsch ] - [ Akündigungen619.24 KB ]
Jesus Heals a Paralyzed Man
2 A few days later Jesus went back to Capernaum, and the news spread that he was at home. 2 So many people came together that there was no room left, not even out in front of the door. Jesus was preaching the message to them 3 when four men arrived, carrying a paralyzed man to Jesus. 4 Because of the crowd, however, they could not get the man to him. So they made a hole in the roof right above the place where Jesus was. When they had made an opening, they let the man down, lying on his mat. 5 Seeing how much faith they had, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “My son, your sins are forgiven.”6 Some teachers of the Law who were sitting there thought to themselves, 7 “How does he dare talk like this? This is blasphemy! God is the only one who can forgive sins!”8 At once Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he said to them, “Why do you think such things? 9 Is it easier to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, pick up your mat, and walk’? 10 I will prove to you, then, that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the paralyzed man, 11 “I tell you, get up, pick up your mat, and go home!”12 While they all watched, the man got up, picked up his mat, and hurried away. They were all completely amazed and praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”
Dear congregation, our biblical story today tells of five friends. By now they have gotten used to the fact that one of them cannot walk. We don't know their names, but we know that they stick together. They do what they can for their friend. And when something is going on in the small town of Capernaum, they try to take him with them. And now there is something going on again. Jesus is there. He speaks of God's kingdom; he casts out demons and he performs miracles. He has already helped many, even those whom others had already given up on.
One man is carried by four. He is paralysed. His friends take him with them. They care for him, feel for him. They don't just leave him at home. The friends have a plan. Jesus is in town. Finally, there is hope for their friend. They hurry... carry their friend on his mat... they have one goal: Jesus: he is the Saviour.... And they are too late... the house is overflowing.
No chance for the paralysed man to be healed.
Health is the most important thing in life. I hear that often. Is that really the case? Health is a very valuable commodity. No question about it and it is important to take care of your health. Every illness limits you and your quality of life decreases.
But what happens when there is nothing more that can be done? When you no longer have a treatment plan. Incurably ill. How do I then put this illness into perspective and, above all, how do I learn to live with it?
And how do we deal with people who are ill in the congregation and in the community?
In one of my confirmation groups in Germany, there was a boy who was paralysed and sat in a wheelchair and was also mentally impaired. He changed the group behaviour in an amazing way. The annoying kids became more tolerable, the shy ones blossomed because they could help him. He belonged. And he enriched this confirmation group.
There is a crucial difference between health and healing. In the story of the healing of the paralytic, this difference is clearly seen. Four friends are committed to their friend. He is perhaps rather sceptical. He doesn't want to be a burden to anyone, you never do. He cannot bear the way the others stare at him. And he hears them whispering behind his back: "God has punished him. Surely he deserves God's wrath." Some also feel sorry for him: "Oh, poor guy, you can really feel sorry for him." And he is saddened by these reactions. Has God forgotten him?
And yet: these four friends of his are not giving up. And they have just the idea: we climb on Jesus' roof. They break the roof and let the friend down through the hole on his mat. That's how important it is to the friends that the friend is healed. That is how much trust they have. They climb onto Jesus' roof, don't let up and lay him right at Jesus' feet. They do not give up. And in my opinion: yes, it takes people to commit themselves to you. Especially when you are sick, when you are old, when you are without hope. Then it is easier to bear the burden that is placed on you.
And Jesus looks at him. He looks straight into his heart. It dawns on the paralytic: if anyone can help, it is Jesus.
He sees all the people in this house looking at him: with compassion, expectation and some with disgust.
"My son, your sins are forgiven" says Jesus.
Sin, why sin? The Pharisees are there too, and they think they don't hear correctly. They are looking for a reason to criticise Jesus, to accuse him. Jesus senses what they are thinking and feeling. Into the tense silence he says: " What is it you are thinking in your hearts? Which is easier - forgiveness or healing? The teachers of the law are outraged! This is going too far. Now they have him, as only God can forgive sins.
The friends are amazed - Jesus is not intimidated. He sees their faith, their hope and love for their friend. He says in a loud, firm voice to the paralysed man, "Get up, take up your bed and go home!" Silence in the room.
Everyone looks spellbound at the man lying on the floor. He moves his legs, feels them and then stands up. He can walk again. He rolls up his mat and makes his way through the crowd. Now no one is whispering. They shout, "We've never seen anything like this!"
Dear congregation,
Jesus can heal and forgive sins. They belong together, inseparably. I don't want to understand sin as a mistake someone has made, but as something that is fundamentally broken in me. That separates me from others and destroys relationships.
And healing begins in the soul. Faith changes your life from the ground up.
When Jesus absolves you, when he says to you: get up and go, you are all right the way you are, then you are transformed. Then you are made whole, even if your body is weak.
Next week we celebrate Reformation. Martin Luther did not have an easy life. And was himself often plagued by illness and pain. He asked in despair: God, how can I stand before you? How can I find grace before you?". Suddenly he realised: God does not want to belittle people. He wants upright, self-confident people who stand by their faith, out of conviction and not out of fear. God alone makes righteous. No one can buy God's grace, no one can work for it - we can only believe in it. Luther knew the Bible well. He was also familiar with the stories of miracles. He certainly knew the story of the healing of the paralytic.
Jesus healed the paralytic, because he saw the faith of his friends. And because he wanted to set an example. Salvation is a gift from Jesus, and no one can deny it.
There are many reasons to be grateful and to praise God. We are not among the lost in this world. And we don't have to think we fall short either. God sees us and deeply cares for my well-being. I must not leave anyone behind. I have a responsibility. God gives us means and opportunities to make a difference in this world. He does not only look at the sick. He also looks at the healthy and hears their prayers, sees their faith. For others. And sometimes I am the one praying and believing for others and sometimes I am the one receiving; needing others to believe and pray for me.
Health is a most valuable commodity. Yes, that is true. But only those who let themselves be healed in spirit and soul will live a carefree life even if there are limitations.
I believe that God is not indifferent to our needs. He heals us in body and soul. Sometimes the words we need to gain courage cannot come from within. And that’s why God speaks to you, mostly through other people who care about you. Friends.
Amen