Mountain Moving Faith

 

On one of those days, as he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with him to heal. And behold, some men were bringing on a bed a man who was paralyzed, and they were seeking to bring him in and lay him before Jesus, but finding no way to bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the midst before Jesus. And when he saw their faith, he said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” (Luke 5:17-20 ESV).

 

Spending time in the Smoky Mountains this week has been both relaxing and inspirational. Even though I have been to other places with grand vistas of mountains that appear to dwarf the Smokies in height and sheer span, this place captured my heart over fifty years ago and I have never been more at home anywhere else. The colors of fall have been spectacular and the weather just cool enough to make me need a light jacket. The sights and smells remind me of so many wonderful memories through the years.

 

As I began to think my way through today’s devotional and the mountains I was reminded that Jesus said our faith could move mountains (cf. Mark 11:22-25). I’ve always marveled at that phrase. Now I do not pretend to understand what Jesus meant when He said that. After all, these ancient geological barriers can weather any storm. They are solid and enduring, strong and unyielding. I can’t imagine anyone having strong enough faith to actually move mountains. That is, until you understand the “mountain” He is referencing. Our reading today shows us the real power of faith.

 

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.