Read | Mark 2:1–12
When he entered Capernaum again after some days, it was reported that he was at home. So many people gathered together that there was no more room, not even in the doorway, and he was speaking the word to them. They came to him bringing a paralytic, carried by four of them. Since they were not able to bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and after digging through it, they lowered the mat on which the paralytic was lying. Seeing their faith, Jesus told the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”
But some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts: “Why does he speak like this? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?”
Right away Jesus perceived in his spirit that they were thinking like this within themselves and said to them, “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? Which is easier: to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat, and walk’? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he told the paralytic— “I tell you: get up, take your mat, and go home.”
Immediately he got up, took the mat, and went out in front of everyone. As a result, they were all astounded and gave glory to God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”
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Notice the faith on display as the paralytic's friends tore open a roof to take him to Jesus, trusting he could heal. Where in your life has faith grown passive or hesitant? How can you take one bold step of trust this week?
Focus
Each week we are focusing on a different classical virtue, a habit of excellent character, and exploring what small steps you can take today to cultivate that virtue in your life. The virtue of faith goes beyond intellectual assent to facts, and it is complete reliance on God. Faith as a virtue is a disposition of our hearts that recognizes that we are utterly dependent on God.
One small way to cultivate the virtue of faith is to write a gratitude list of three things that you are thankful for on a small piece of paper you can carry with you. When you feel dissatisfied in your day, do not engage that desire right away. Take one minute to breathe deeply, and pull out the gratitude note. Read it and offer it as a prayer to God. Change places or posture and find something good to do.
Pray
Lord, give me the faith of the friends who tore open the roof. Make my trust active, not passive, and lead me to take one bold step toward you.
Going Deeper
If you are also following the BibleProject’s One Story That Leads to Jesus reading plan, complete today’s reading.