What Does It Look Like to Carry a Friend to Jesus? (Luke 5:17-26) | Daily Devotional & Bible Study

In this contemplative prayer episode we reflect on the paralyzed man whose friends carried him to Jesus. We look at what this story teaches about love that brings people to Jesus, and about healing that starts with forgiveness. If you are carrying a broken relationship or longing for healing, this is a space to bring that to Him. "Seeing their faith, He said, 'Friend, your sins are forgiven you.'" (Luke 5:20) Questions this episode answers Why did Jesus forgive the paralyzed man's sins before healing him? Jesus addressed the man's deepest need first. Forgiveness restored his relationship with God, and the physical healing showed that Jesus has authority to forgive sins. It reminds us that Jesus cares about the whole person, soul and body. What can we learn from the friends who lowered the man through the roof? Their love was active and determined. When the crowd blocked the way, they found another way to get their friend to Jesus. Their faith is part of the story, which shows how our love and prayers can carry others toward Christ. How can I pray for someone who needs healing? Bring them to Jesus in prayer by name, the way those friends carried the man. Ask for healing in every area, including forgiveness and restored relationships. Keep showing up for them in practical ways too. Links Luke wrote this story down, and on our Rome trip we visit a room connected by tradition to Luke's house, which makes his Gospel feel close and personal. Bible Study Live is a small-group Bible study trip with Rachael Groll. Study Scripture where it happened in Rome, or slow down for a contemplative Bible study retreat in Maui. Dates and details at BibleStudyLive.org Listen ad-free, plus the full library of past series, on Patreon: patreon.com/HearingJesus Questions or prayer requests? Leave me a voicemail: SpeakPipe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices