CHRIST- MY NEED

Mark 2:1-17

Monday, 10 November 2025

They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them.- Mark 2:2

People gathered around Jesus to hear him preach and heal. Mark chapt.2 opens with a paralytic being brought to a thickly packed home where there seemed no way to reach Jesus. But we see the faith of his 4 friends that made an opening on the roof to get their friend right in front of Jesus. Jesus first dealt with his sin, offering forgiveness and then healed him. Though the religious skeptical bystanders were offended by Jesus, the entire event was watched with amazement by those gathered who gave glory to God!

What do all these events in our text show us?

• Salvation from sin is a must

The healing of the paralytic points to the need of being cleansed from the defiling aspects of sinand be healed from the paralyzing effects of sin. The guilt of sin stifles us, hindering us from being all that God intends us to be.  Imagine the relief the paralytic must have felt when he heard those words of forgiveness.  It is not only physical healing we need but total healing in spirit,soul and body. Jesus frees us from the imprisoning paralysis of sin and gives us the power to "take up our beds and walk"- to fulfill the purpose for which we are created.  We need to repent of our sinful ways and acknowledge Him as Lord and Saviour, accepting that He paid the penalty for our sins so that He can free us to obtain eternal life.  

• Presence of sin to be broken

Jesus sees the distorted reasoning in the hearts of the teachers of the Law and addresses it.  What goes on in our heart is very important—“Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life.”(Proverbs 4:23) Finding fault and being critical come naturally to many of us. But Jesus told us not to judge "lest you be judged" (Matt. 7:1). Heed His command.Secondly, to overcome sin we need to seek the help of His Holy Spirit who reminds us of God’s Word- for eg: “I have stored up Your word in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” – Psalm 119:11

• We have to walk

The Lord did not carry the bed for him but commanded him to take up his own bed and walk.When he obeyed he received strength to do so. When the Lord heals and removes its effects in us, He does not relieve us of our responsibilities. Christian life is not an easy road. We may even have certain burdensome problems and trials of normal daily life, but He enables us to carry them.

• We have to lead many to Christ

When Jesus saw the faith of the four people He was moved (V5). They never gave up when hindered but found a way to reach him to Jesus. They did it together- in unity with others. As believers, we are to be resourceful in reaching others for Christ- through prayer, preaching, witnessing, helping others, etc.—without losing hope, to lead others to Christ.

• Many will oppose

The scribes could have been there in the first place to find fault with Jesus.  So when He forgave sins, they were quick to latch on to it by calling it blasphemy as only God can forgive sins.  They did not know that Jesus is God himself in the flesh. They found fault with Jesus eating with “sinners” at Matthew’s house. As Believers, we too will have opposition when we witness, but the Gospel which is the power of God will do its intended work. 

The one faithful approach of our Lord Jesus to each person was His selfless love and patience towards them.  He was genuine and caring and took time and made Himself available to all.Everyone needs Jesus!

Quote for the Day:  “I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need.”– Charles Spurgeon

Listen: 'All I have is Christ'