Mark 2: “And When Jesus Saw Their Faith…”

And when Jesus saw their faith… (Mark 2:5)

Four men had carried a paralyzed man to the house in Capernaum where Jesus was preaching the word. So many were gathered, there was no more room, not even at the door.

A paralyzed man outside. An incredible miracle-worker inside. But no way to get through the door to reach Jesus.

And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” (Mark 2:4-5)

“Jesus saw their faith.” If faith is “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Heb 11:1), what these men were hoping for was clear. The conviction of things they had not seen was evident. Their faith in Jesus was on full display.

The assurance of things hoped for continues to shine distinctively bright in this hope-starved world. The conviction of things not seen is starkly evident as it shapes the selfless actions of men and women whose faith in Jesus is strong.

“Jesus saw their faith.” It changed the life of a paralytic. It led a crowd to glorify God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!” This account has been preserved by God for 2,000 years, that we might continue to see and be inspired by their faith.

“Jesus saw their faith.” Will he see my faith today? Will the fruit of my faith positively impact the people around me? Will my light so shine before others that they may see my good works and give glory to my Father who is in heaven?

May the testimony of what we are hoping for be sure today. May the conviction of things we have not seen be strong today. And may God be glorified because our faith in him can be clearly seen.