TRUE FRIENDS LUKE 5 17 26 Luke 5

TRUE FRIENDS LUKE 5: 17 - 26

Luke 5: 17 -26 (New Living Translation) One day while Jesus was teaching, some Pharisees and teachers of religious law were sitting nearby. (It seemed that these men showed up from every village in all Galilee and Judea, as well as from Jerusalem. ) And the Lord’s healing power was strongly with Jesus. Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a sleeping mat. They tried to take him inside to Jesus, 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. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the man, “Young man, your sins are forgiven. ” But the Pharisees and teachers of religious law said to themselves, “Who does he think he is? That’s blasphemy! Only God can forgive sins!”

Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he asked them, “Why do you question this in your hearts? Is it easier to say ‘Your sins are forgiven, ’ or ‘Stand up and walk’? So I will prove to you that the Son of Man[a] has the authority on earth to forgive sins. ” Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!” And immediately, as everyone watched, the man jumped up, picked up his mat, and went home praising God. Everyone was gripped with great wonder and awe, and they praised God, exclaiming, “We have seen amazing things today!”

The man was paralyzed and unable to help himself physically or eternally

We live in a fallen world Romans 3: 10 -12 (New Living Translation) As the Scriptures say, “No one is righteous— not even one. No one is truly wise; no one is seeking God. All have turned away; all have become useless. No one does good, not a single one. ”[b] Romans 6: 22 -23 (New International Version) But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in[a] Christ Jesus our Lord.

Did you know that: * The U. S. Census Bureau states that approximately 56. 7 million Americans, or 19% of the population have a disability, with more than half reporting that their disability is severe. * According to the World Health Organization, more than one billion people, or approximately 15% of the world’s population has a disability. Disability is everywhere. The church should make care and concern for these individuals and families a priority.

The opportunity for the touch of Jesus was so valued by the man that was paralyzed and his friends that they did not let the obstacles stop them

Don’t allow obstacles to stand in your way! The church is God’s people. BE THE CHURCH!!!!! STOP WAITING FOR EASY, OPEN DOORS…. START MAKING HOLES!!!!!

The Lord is the only healer…. . period.

The truth is, we need healing. Our hearts and minds need healing. Society needs healing. The church needs healing. Zephaniah 3: 19 (HCSB) Yes, at that time I will deal with all who afflict you. I will save the lame and gather the scattered; I will make those who were disgraced throughout the earth receive praise and fame.

1. God stands against those that afflict people. A lack of morality offends God. 2. If you afflict people, you will be punished by God. You can decide to disobey God. The church can decide to disobey God. You have that freedom of choice. However, you don’t get to escape the consequences of that choice. 3. Evil may seem like it is running wild and is unstoppable, but God has the final say. He is going to save the lame and gather the scattered. 4. Finally, a day is coming when the “disgraced throughout the earth” will “receive praise and fame. ”

Who are the “paralyzed men” in your life. Are you willing to go to them? Are you willing to bring them to Jesus? Are you willing to be their friend? Are you willing to do your part to knit them into the fabric of God’s church? Or will you choose to ignore them? To allow them to suffer? To determine change is too hard and therefore someone else can do the hard work of loving them? On the authority of God’s word, you will be judged. The church will not escape this judgment. The choice is yours. The final say is God’s.