This story has everything.
Big crowds, small room.
4 friends who will rip off a roof to get their buddy some help.
Doing the right thing vs the proper thing.
Priorities: Release from sin or release from handicap?
Religious organizational approach vs moral and compassionate healing.
For the first time we see a confrontation with the religious leaders. Jesus has to decide which is more important, pleasing the status quo or forging ahead with his mission.
This is the first mention of the religious leaders and the first time casting out demons is omitted. Hmm.
I have prompted this week to also mention that there seems to be connection between the healing and the casting out of demons. Can there be some symbolism that I haven't seen before? Can the removal of an evil spirit, the breaking of a fever, the healing of leprosy, and now the restoration from being paralyzed have a deeper spiritual meaning?
God, open us up to real world of spiritual battle, train us to hear your clarion call, to respond with spiritual weapons you have provided.
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