Here is a devotion to start your day!
Also available now at Power, Love & Miracles:
HIdden Heroes of the Bible: The Empty Tomb. Introduction
Joseph of Arimathea. The Bible Unplugged podcast, episode 71
All Monday devotions include a free audiobook preview.
If this work supports your life, one way to help sustain it is by exploring the complete book, audio companion, and related resources HERE.
Heroes: The Friends of the Paralyzed Man
Creative, costly friendship that carries someone to Jesus
Scripture: Mark 2:1–12
Four people came, carrying a paralytic to him. When they could not come near to him for the crowd, they removed the roof where he was. … they let down the mat that the paralytic was lying on.
Reflection
The house is packed. People spill out the door, leaning in to hear Jesus teach. In the middle of the crowd, one person is missing—the man who physically can’t get there on his own.
But he has friends.
We don’t know their names, jobs, or backgrounds. We only know that they refuse to let the barriers stop them. They hoist their paralyzed friend on a mat, carry him through the streets, and when they can’t get through the door, they climb the stairs, dig through the roof, and lower him down right in front of Jesus.
It’s disruptive. It’s messy. It’s probably expensive (somebody’s roof is now damaged!). But Mark notes something beautiful: “Jesus, seeing their faith, said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven you.’”
Their faith carried him to the place of healing he could not reach alone.
You might be that friend for someone. Maybe not literally carrying a mat but consistently carrying someone’s name before Jesus in prayer. Checking on them. Encouraging them. Refusing to give up when doors seem closed.
Creative, costly friendship looks like:
Rearranging your schedule to show up.
Risking awkwardness to invite someone closer to Christ.
Bearing another’s burden when they’re too tired to move.
Refusing to let shame or fear isolate them.
And sometimes, you are the one on the mat. You need others to carry you. That doesn’t make you weak; it makes you human. Hidden heroes both carry and let themselves be carried.
Jesus notices the faith of the community around the hurting person. He honors it. He moves through it. The forgiveness and healing He offers that man begin with four friends who refused to let obstacles have the final word.
Centering Prayer
Jesus,
You see the people in my life who cannot move toward you alone. Bring their faces to my mind. Soften my heart where I’ve grown weary or discouraged. Give me creative love and patient persistence to help carry them to you in prayer, support, and action. Let my faith make a way for them. – Amen
Practice for Today
Reach out to one person who feels “stuck on the mat.” Offer a specific act of help, a listening ear, or prayer—something that says, “I’m willing to help carry you.”
Journaling Prompt
Who has carried me when I couldn’t move toward Jesus myself? How can I embody that same stubborn, creative love for someone else?
Closing Blessing
Live as a faithful stretcher-bearer.
Refuse to abandon those who feel beyond reach.
Let love fuel your creativity when doors seem closed.
Trust that Jesus sees your shared faith and honors it.
Pray as You Go
Breathe in: Strengthen my love...
Breathe out: ... help me carry my friends
