Jesus was in Capernaum talking to a house filled to capacity, but four men found a way to get in one more. They “uncovered the roof where He was” and brought a paralytic man to Jesus, who not only healed the man, but forgave his sins (Mk. 2:1-12).  Notice some lessons from their actions.

The quartet had faith. “When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, Son your sins are forgiven you” (v. 5). They believed that Jesus had the power to heal their friend and they demonstrated that faith through action. Faith only would not have resulted in the healing, but faith that worked brought the great blessings of healing and forgiveness. We do not have Jesus in our midst performing such healings, but He is still willing to save those we bring to Him.

The quartet had vision. They did not allow obstacles to hinder their progress. The sick man would no doubt have perished without their efforts. It has well been said, “where there is a will, there is a way.” These men found a way, because they had the will to help their friend. It is also true that when men do not want to do something they find an excuse!

The quartet had unity. They had to work together to carry the man on his bed, remove the roof and let the bed down through the roof. They were not concerned about who got the credit, but with seeing their friend get the blessings.

Jesus said that the branch that does not product fruit will be “gathered and thrown into the fire, and they are burned” (Jn. 15:6). One kind of fruit that a Christian bears is another Christian. I have heard brethren say that you cannot go to heaven without taking someone with you. I’m not affirming that as true, but I will affirm that a person who does not try to take someone with him is not doing what God expects and therefore is disobeying God’s instructions.