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.” And the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, saying, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” When Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answered them, “Why do you question in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? 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.” And immediately he rose up before them and picked up what he had been lying on and went home, glorifying God. And amazement seized them all, and they glorified God and were filled with awe, saying, “We have seen extraordinary things today.” Luke 5:17–26 (ESV)
As we consider the "one" person God has laid on our hearts, the one with whom we are to share the Good News, we can learn a thing or two - or five - from the dudes (it's a biblical term) in the above verses.
#1 - There is a mission (verse 18)
The dudes had a mission to see their friend healed.
We have a mission to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.
#2 - There is an obstacle (verse 19)
They ran into a crowd and a roof.
We may run into an uncooperative, unconvinced, uninterested one.
#3 - There is an expectation (verse 20a)
The dudes believed Jesus could save their friend.
We believe the same of our one.
#4 - There is the potential for greater outcomes than can be imagined (verses 20b-26)
The dudes wanted healing for their friend. They also got salvation.
We are looking for salvation for our one. Might there be healing as well?
#5 - There was a team at work
The dudes were able to rely on each other.
So can we.
The dudes were committed to their friend, and were willing to go above and beyond for him.
Can we do any less for our one?
Think about it.
Pastor Jason