Former Blackout Artist

When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.” – Luke 5:20

Have you ever thought about what faith looks like? We often think of faith as something private, tucked away in our hearts… just a quiet and simple trust in God. And sometimes it is. But there are moments when faith becomes visible. And not in a showy way, but through actions that come from love and devotion. That’s exactly what we see in the story of the paralyzed man and his friends in Luke 5.

Jesus is teaching in a crowded house, so packed that no one can squeeze inside. And there are more people standing outside the house trying to listen in than there are inside the house. So when these three friends – who had carried their paralyzed buddy into town on a makeshift gurney – finally get to the house and see the situation, they’re presented with a huge challenge. But as frustrating as that must have seemed, they refuse to give up… they’re determined to get their friend in front of Jesus to be healed, no ifs, ands, or buts. And if it means lifting him up onto the roof, then cutting a hole through the roof and lowering him down into the house – that’s what it means. It wasn’t just a demonstration of their love and commitment to their paralyzed friend. It was also a demonstration of their faith in Jesus.

What stands out to me is these 5 words: When Jesus saw their faith…

Their faith wasn’t merely a feeling. It was sweat and effort. It was creativity and persistence. It was action. They weren’t bothered by who was watching or what anyone thought, not one bit. Their love for their friend and their trust in Jesus was plain to all. And Jesus rewarded that faith. He looked at the man and said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.” Then, to show His authority, He healed him. And that man walked home that day with his friends praising God.

This story challenges me, and I hope it challenges you too. Sometimes our faith is quiet, lived out in prayer and personal trust in God’s promises in the normal, unseen areas of our lives. But other times, God calls us to a faith that can be seen. And not in a flashy way, but through kindness, sacrifice, or going the extra mile for someone else. These friends didn’t lower their buddy through the roof to get attention… they did it out of love. And yet their actions spoke loudly, not only to Jesus but to everyone in that crowded room.

Our Faith Can Often Be Seen in the Way We Show Up For Others.

Let me encourage you today: don’t be afraid to let your faith be visible. Not in a “look at me” kind of way, but in a humble way that points others to Jesus. We may not be asked to carry a friend on a mat or to cut a hole in the roof. But the willingness to go to any length to help someone in need? That’s precisely what Jesus did for us. There was no length greater than the cross.

May we be willing to go and do likewise.