The Four Friends: Teaching About Faith and Friendship

The paralysed man could do nothing for himself - just lay on his bed. Four friends carried him on his sleeping mat to Jesus' house, but the crowd was too big and they could not push their way through. They climbed the stairs up to the roof and took off some tiles. Then they lowered their friend, still on his mat, down into the crowd to the feet of Jesus.

Jesus was not angry about the hole in the roof - he could see how much the four friends cared for the paralysed man, and how sure they were that Jesus would be able to help.

Jesus said to the man - "Your sins (wrongdoings) are forgiven"

"Who does this man think he is" the religious leaders asked "Only God can forgive sins".

Jesus knew what they were thinking.

"I will prove I have authority on earth to forgive sins" he said. He turned to the paralysed man and said, "Stand up, take your mat, and go home, because you are healed!"

Immediately the man jumped to his feet, picked up his mat, and went home praising God. Everyone was gripped with great wonder and awe. They praised God, saying over and over again "We have seen amazing things today".

You can find this story in the Bible. Read it for yourself in Luke chapter 5 verses 17 - 26.