One familiar passage among Bible readers is the story in Luke chapter 5, where Jesus heals a paralyzed man. You may recall the scene: it was “on one of those days” (v. 17)—just an ordinary, regular day where Jesus did something extraordinary (v. 26). God can and does work in amazing ways, even on an ordinary day.

Consider Luke 5:17-26:

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. [18] 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, [19] 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. [20] And when he saw their faith, he said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” [21] And the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, saying, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” [22] When Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answered them, “Why do you question in your hearts? [23] Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? [24] But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the man who was paralyzed—“I say to you, rise, pick up your bed and go home.” [25] And immediately he rose up before them and picked up what he had been lying on and went home, glorifying God. [26] And amazement seized them all, and they glorified God and were filled with awe, saying, “We have seen extraordinary things today.”

Three things stand out in this story:

• The Power of Determined Friendship: This man had some incredible friends—friends who would break through a roof to bring him to Jesus. Imagine that level of loyalty! We all need a few of “those friends.” 
  • I can just imagine that scene—Jesus is talking, the place is packed and all of the sudden there a ruckus above and dust starts falling into the room. Imagine being there and seeing the particles of debris fall through a sun beam in the room. 
  • Then, there’s the process of letting him down on his bed and the service interrupted—a little on this side, a little on the other side, little by little arriving right in the midst of things.  I can just envision there being this pregnant pause with Jesus along and everyone else watching as he makes his arrival. Then, the moment in which the tension turns into laughter. And here’s the thing: the Jesus I know isn’t put out by determined believers interrupting a service seeking more of him.
• Jesus Knows Our True Needs: When the man finally reaches Jesus, everyone knows why he’s there—he wants to be healed. But, interestingly, Jesus’ first words are, “Man, your sins are forgiven you” (v. 20). What?!!  This guy’s friends went to all of that trouble because this guy wants to walk; he wants to get rid of crippling disease; he wants to be like everyone else.  That is his pressing need— to be healed!  While Jesus eventually healed him as we would expect, it wasn’t until he taught us an invaluable lesson: someone’s pressing need isn’t necessarily their primary need.” We must always keep the main thing the main thing.
• Jesus Has the Authority to Heal and Forgive: Then finally, Jesus does heal the man physically, but only after showing His authority to forgive sins. This healing reveals Jesus’ divine nature and power. Having witnessed such, the crowd is filled with awe, realizing they had witnessed the work of God.

What a great beautiful story, It’s memorable, but I don’t want us to miss its relevance in regard to prison ministry and our One Day With God Camps. Many of the dads we serve are laser focused on their needs—pressing needs—needs like being released, or having a better situation in life and of course seeing their children. While such things are real and important, we dare not loose sight of the lesson. Jesus message to us in Luke chapter 5 isn’t just about freedom from the bothersome troubles of life, it’s freedom from sin that con only be found in Jesus:, “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).

So, the next time we find ourselves visiting those impacted by incarceration, may we remember that, above all, their greatest need is Jesus. In keeping this focus, we may again witness God doing something amazing on one of “those days.”

You are loved!

Les