The Power of Friendships

Matthew 9:1-8 – And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city. And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee. And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth. And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. And he arose, and departed to his house. But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.

When Jesus came into His own city, friends of a paralytic was brought to Jesus. They believed Jesus was able to heal him. When Jesus considered the faith of those that brought the paralytic, He healed him.

In processing the friends’ faith, they not only believed Jesus could heal their friend, but they were also motivated by several emotions. As their faith encouraged them to action, they exercised compassion, belief in Jesus, and hope.

1. Compassion. Compassion is the genuine care and concern for another person. It often drives an emotional connection that can be a one-way action toward a person or group or shared among individuals and groups. Compassion inspires actions to improve the (mental, emotional, physical, or social) status of the connected person or group, often without requests, coercion, or payment.

2. Belief in Jesus. The paralytic’s friends believed in Jesus. They each believed Jesus had the ability and power to heal their friend…they only needed to get him close to Jesus.

3. Hope. Hope is the desire to see a future improvement in a specific person, situation, or location. Hope ignites perseverance, focus, and dedication in order to see the desired end come to pass.

Through the friends’ compassion and belief, their hope motivated them to press through the multitudes of people surrounding Jesus. Without saying a word, Jesus recognized the faith of the paralytic’s friends and healed him.

May you be surrounded by friends that care for you in the same manner.

^{Photo courtesy of flickr.com/Grupo}