When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.”
Luke 5:20 NIV
This profound moment from scripture reveals Christ’s compassion and the remarkable impact of faith. It wasn’t just the faith of the paralysed man that drew Jesus’ attention but the faith of his friends—a faith so steadfast and determined that it led to forgiveness and healing. In this story, we see the essence of what it means to be a faithful friend.
Surrounded by a crowd that included Pharisees and teachers of the law, Jesus was preaching in a packed house. Among those outside were a group of men carrying their paralysed friend, hoping to bring him to Jesus. The overwhelming crowd didn’t deter them. Instead, they climbed to the roof, removed a section, and lowered their friend down to Jesus. Their determination reflected their belief that if their friend could just encounter the Saviour, he would be healed.
The actions of these friends may have drawn ridicule or disbelief from the onlookers, but Jesus saw something far deeper. He recognised their unwavering faith. He saw a faith prioritising love and hope over the barriers before them. This faith moved Jesus to forgive the man’s sins and restore his health.
This passage invites us to reflect on the kind of friends we have and the type of friend we are. Do we surround ourselves with people who can stand with us in faith during challenging times? Are they the ones who will intercede on our behalf, encourage us to draw closer to God, and walk with us on our spiritual journey? A faithful friend is not merely a companion, but someone who lifts us in prayer, strengthens our faith, and inspires us to trust in God’s promises.
Scripture reminds us of the importance of choosing our companions wisely. “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character’” (1 Corinthians 15:33). The people we walk with shape our lives, influencing our choices, growth, and relationship with God. Surrounding ourselves with like-minded believers who share our faith isn’t just advisable—it’s essential. These are the friends who will encourage us to persevere through trials, challenge us to grow spiritually, and remind us of God’s unfailing love.
Take a moment to evaluate your friendships. Are your closest companions helping you draw nearer to Christ, or are they pulling you away from Him? It’s never too late to restructure your relationships. Seek out faithful friends—those who will walk alongside you in faith, pray with you, and support you in your spiritual journey. Likewise, commit to being that kind of friend to others. In fact, you should be that faithful friend first.
The faith of the paralysed man’s friends not only led to his physical healing but also to his spiritual restoration. Imagine what God can accomplish through your faith and the faith of those around you when you come together in unity and purpose. Let this story inspire you to cultivate friendships that reflect God’s love, strengthen your faith, and lead you closer to Him. A faithful friend can change the trajectory of a life—just as we see in this powerful moment with Jesus.
May we all strive to surround ourselves with faithful friends and, in turn, be the kind of friends who reflect Christ’s love. Together, through faith and unity, we can experience God’s miraculous work in our lives.