Perhaps

you have heard the phrase “Faith can move mountains.” Jesus

actually talks about faith that strong later in his ministry (see

Mark 11:22-25). I’ve always marveled at that phrase. I’ve spent

considerable time in the mountains. I’ve lived near the Rockies,

the Sierra Nevadas, and the Cascades in the western United States.

Mountains are huge. They are ancient geological barriers that can

weather any storm. They are solid and enduring, strong and

unyielding.

But

faith in Jesus is even stronger and bigger. The faith of the friends

in this passage is strong enough to tear apart a roof to bring their

paralyzed friend to Jesus, because they know he can heal their

friend. Jesus is so moved by their faith that he does what they want

him to do—and he doesn’t even criticize them for damaging the

roof! The amazing thing is that Jesus does even more than they have

hoped. He forgives the man’s sins as well as healing him from

paralysis. In this way the friends’ faith becomes an example to

everyone there who has come to see Jesus.

Faith

can move people to do incredible things. And in response, Jesus can

make huge impacts in this world. He can heal and forgive. He can

change the heart of an individual or the hearts an entire group of

people. This is all because of his ability to see faith in anyone who

comes to him, whether they walk or are carried by their friends.