The Setting

 

The Rabbi had come home. 

 

Somehow news about his return to the village had preceded his arrival and had spread all throughout the region and beyond. Religious leaders from the surrounding regions of Galilee and Judea had come to hear him speak. There were even religious scholars from as far away as Jerusalem itself who had come to satisfy their curiosity about the itinerant preacher and purported miracle worker they had heard so much about.

 

A large village, or perhaps more accurately a small town, Capernaum was primarily built around the fishing industry. Its approximately 1500 residents consisted mostly of fishermen and those whose work was in support of the industry, such as boat builders and merchants/traders. Despite its relatively small size, Capernaum’s position providing fish to the surrounding regions afforded what was really only a fishing village greater importance and connectivity than its small size would suggest. Small enough to have a village atmosphere where everyone knew everyone else, yet significant enough to have connections to the larger city centers in Judea, even to Jerusalem, Capernaum was an interesting place for the Rabbi to call home. 

 

Though he was originally from Nazareth, he had recently begun to stay with Simon, a local fisherman who had become a disciple of the young Rabbi, so Capernaum was now “home” for this Jesus of Nazareth. The last time that he was here, there was a rather dramatic turn of events when, as he was teaching in the synagogue, someone in the audience jumped up and began screaming at the teacher. This was a respectable synagogue in a small but important town, these sorts of things didn’t happen here. Nevertheless, it was happening, and the local leadership recoiled in horror and disbelief. While the Synagogue leadership might normally have quickly (and harshly) dealt with such an inappropriate outburst, something about this seemed to stop everyone in their tracks. There was an aura of rage and of evil that surrounded and emanated from this man that was screaming at the visiting teacher. Something about him seemed non-human. As he spoke, folks described a strange sense that it seemed to get darker, and that all warmth suddenly left the room, leaving a terrifying chill.

 

"The demon shrieked. Suddenly, the man’s body was lifted several inches into the air and then flung down to the ground with great force."

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Though folks had heard stories of demon possession, it certainly wasn’t something that people expected at synagogue that morning. Nevertheless, it certainly appeared that this man was possessed by some sort of evil spirit, who had control of his body and spoke through him. In a terrifying demonic voice, the spirit cried out to the Rabbi: “I know who you are - you are the Holy One of God!” Many drew back in terror, but the teacher calmly and sternly faced the evil and spoke: “Be silent and come out of him.” The words were calm, but spoken with an authority that was unmistakable.

 

The demon shrieked. Suddenly, the man’s body was lifted several inches into the air and then flung down to the ground with great force. Immediately the evil spirit left him. With a dazed and confused expression on his face, slowly, cautiously, the man sat up and then began to stand. The force with which the demon flung him to the ground was significant, but it was clear the man was unharmed and back in his right mind. Everyone was amazed by what happened and, as would be expected, the story spread.

 

There were other stories, as well. Since he had left Capernaum, there were accounts of people who claimed that he had healed them of leprosy. Everywhere he went there were stories of miraculous healings. There were some who claimed that John the Baptist, the famous outsider prophet himself, had identified this Jesus as the actual Messiah, the One who was to come. Indeed, some of John’s disciples had abandoned him and began to follow Jesus, which seemed to give merit to this claim, although John was still preaching beyond the Jordan, so this was unclear. If this Jesus was the actual Messiah, wouldn’t John be following him?

 

Interestingly, Jesuss seemed to be positioning himself somewhat “outside the camp,” as he was highly critical of the ruling religious establishment. This seemed unwise…the Pharisees (a devout and fundamentalist sect of Judaism) held significant political power, and surely the Messiah would need their support. Either way, he had returned, and there was a great deal of excitement throughout town. The arrival of the Pharisees and religious scholars from as far away as Jerusalem was indication that, whatever was happening, it was bound to be interesting.

 

The Scene

 

Once they arrived in town, Jesus and his entourage went straight to Simon’s house. Surely they would need some rest after a long journey, but almost immediately after arriving, folks began showing up at the house. The first that came may have pretended they were just “in the neighborhood.” Others were far more forward, asking to meet the young Rabbi. Soon, folks showed up with their family members who had ailments and illnesses, asking if Jesus would pray for them, perhaps even heal them. Could he do this? Were the rumors true? If he really was capable of this miracle-working power, how does it work…do we just ask him? Do we have to make an offering? Others may have wondered if healing was only available for those who ‘deserved’ it…for those who were good enough. 

 

The various visitors to town began arriving, as well. Rabbis and clerics from the surrounding regions, they had also come for an assortment of reasons. Some may have genuinely wondered if this man were the Messiah, sent by God to deliver the nation of Israel (or so they thought) from Roman oppression. The more skeptical (and political) of the lot may have come looking for an excuse to discredit the young Rabbi. Still others may just have been curious about the miracles-worker they had heard so much about. It seems likely there may have been some genuine God-seekers in the group, as well, who were drawn by the Spirit of the Father operating in and through the Son, though they would not have fully understood this at the time.

 

"It was in the midst of this beautiful sermon that, mid sentence, a small clod of dirt fell from the ceiling right on the rabbi’s head."

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They sought seating for the important guests, but it was not long before the house was full to overflowing. Crowds had gathered outside the doors and windows to hear Jesus preach and, possibly, to catch a glimpse of a miracle. Anticipation ran high among all that were present. Every voice hushed as the young Rabbi began to preach. He spoke with authority, but also with…it could only be described as life. Every eye was fixed upon him and every ear attuned to his words. He spoke about God in a way that captured your heart, as well as your imagination. Rather than the God of laws and regulations that the Pharisees spoke of, Jesus spoke of God as a loving Father ready to welcome his children home with open arms. He spoke of concepts like restoration, redemption, and renewal, although it was clear in his preaching that these weren’t merely theoretical concepts, but realities that were available to us. He spoke of hope and healing for the broken heart, and freedom from those things that have us in bondage. 

 

It was in the midst of this beautiful sermon that, mid sentence, a small clod of dirt fell from the ceiling right on the rabbi’s head. Though she had certainly cleaned the house spotlessly, Simon’s wife recoiled in horror and shame at this apparent failure of her housekeeping in such a public setting. Jesus laughed, diffusing the tense moment, brushed the dirt from the top of his head, and calmly picked up where he left off. It was futile, though, as more dirt began to fall within a few moments. Jesus stepped out of the way of the falling dirt and dust and looked up. Following his stare,  all could see a hole opening in the roof above his head. Confused, all stared at the roof as some of the large tiles that make up the inner structure of the roof were pulled out of the way and sunlight came pouring in.

 

Within seconds, folks noticed a couple of faces peering down at them through the large opening that had just been made. “What is this?!” some certainly exclaimed. After a few moments it became clear that something was being lowered down through the hole…or was it someone? The house was already standing room only, and folks directly below the hole, including the preacher himself, had to press back into the crowd of those around as a large mat was lowered down into the room with something heavy in it. “What’s happening?!” one of the visiting clerics may have demanded. 

 

Something began to be slowly lowered down through the hole. After a few confusing moments, it became clear that it was a man, a local paralytic. His friends were above, on the roof, lowering him down into the dwelling with ropes. The Pharisees were livid, but Jesus stood there with an amused look on his face, watching as the drama unfolded before him. A few men from the room stood to help lower the man and his mat to the ground. As he lay there on the floor at the feet of Jesus, motionless, paralyzed, embarrassed, but expectant and hopeful, it was clear to all what was happening. These men had brought their friend to Jesus to be healed. Unable to get to him because of the large crowd, they had pulled this stunt to get their friend to him. What would Jesus do?

 

He said what?

 

There were probably some in the crowd that expected the Rabbi to sternly rebuke such silliness. There was an order to things, and surely this wasn’t it. Still others may have sat with bated breath as they awaited a spectacular miracle, complete with waving arms, powerfully recited scriptures, and maybe even a puff of smoke. Its likely that most in the crowd had no idea exactly what to expect, but they sat in anticipation nonetheless. What would he do?

 

"Son, your sins are forgiven you."

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Certainly nobody in the crowd expected him to say what he said next. Commenting first on the great faith of the man’s friends, he smiled, calmly looked at the man, and said “son, your sins are forgiven.” The Pharisees and religious leaders immediately recoiled. “This man is blaspheming,” they thought. “None can forgive sins but God alone.” Perceiving their thoughts, Jesus spoke:

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“Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say ‘Rise, take up your bed, and walk?’ But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” - he said to the paralytic - “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.” (Mark 2:9-11)

 

As soon as he spoke these words, the man, whom all knew to be paralyzed, stood up, picked up his mat, and walked out of the room praising God. All were amazed!

 

Referring to himself as the “Son of Man” was a reference to an ancient prophecy in the scroll of Daniel, where one “like a son of man” had the power and authority of God Himself! (Daniel 7:13-14) This Jesus not only was a worker of miracles - he has the power to forgive sins!

 

Application

 

This story is still profoundly relevant. There were a wide variety of expectations among those in the crowd. People came to see Jesus for many different reasons. Some wanted a show. Others came with real hope of healing for themselves or their loved ones. Some of the religious leaders came hoping for an opportunity to discredit him. Its likely that many were unsure exactly why they came to see him, driven perhaps by curiosity, but also something more. There is something unique about this “Son of Man” that draws us to “come and see.” 

 

"He calls us to a path of meaning and relevance, following him along the narrow path."

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It is no different today. We come to hear Jesus, perhaps not directly, but through the pages of scripture or through the accounts of his followers. We come for various reasons. Many are seeking something specific, something tangible. In many cases, just like the arrogant religious leaders of our story, people come looking for an excuse to discredit, their hearts disingenuous from the start. Others are seeking to be entertained by a show or stimulated by moral philosophy. In many cases, people may be unsure why they come. Drawn by an invitation that sparks their curiosity, they come and, just like the folks at the house in Capernaum that day, they are surprised by what they find. 

 

More than a show, more than philosophizing, Jesus offers redemption and renewal. He calls us to a path of meaning and relevance, following him along the narrow path. This path begins with this most generous of offerings: forgiveness of sins. He offers this still today. Where do you have guilt? Where do you know that you’ve fallen short of God’s standard? Where do you feel that worst of all emotions - shame? This is where Jesus meets us and offers better. This is where he is willing to meet you. This is where he is calling you.

 

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