“Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on.” – Mark 2:3-4
It’s pretty amazing how popular the 90’s TV series about six 20-something Friends navigating life in NYC remains with today’s upcoming generation. There’s just something about a group of friends learning how to “adult” that resonates even thirty years later. Most of us recognize the theme song made popular by show; the chorus goes like this:
“I’ll be there for you
When the rain starts to pour
I’ll be there for you
Like I’ve been there before
I’ll be there for you
‘Cause you’re there for me too.“
It’s a sentiment that anyone can relate to when it comes to true friends. But having a sentimental feeling about friendship and putting those feelings into action are two completely different things.
God’s Word speaks of a group of four friends who wanted to introduce their paralyzed friend to Jesus, believing for a miracle. But, they had a problem – they couldn’t get him in the doorway! The crowds around Jesus were too great. But that didn’t stop them. They were so determined that they climbed up to the top of the roof (carrying the man), and made an opening in the roof to somehow lower their friend down to the ground in front of where Jesus stood. What a sight. All eyes were on the disciples and Jesus, awaiting a response. These friends believed that Jesus would heal their friend and He did.
The greatest thing we can do for any friend is to introduce them to Jesus. In the case of the paralyzed man, not only did Jesus met his physical need, but also his greatest need which was forgiveness of his sins and reconciliation with God. Realizing this, the lyrics “I’ll be there for you,” take on an entirely different meaning.
What kind of friend are you?
