Spectator, overcomer, or doubter? Which are you? A simple story from the pages of the Gospel gives us a depiction of each.
“I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” Mark 2:10
In Mark’s Gospel, chapter two, the narrative of Jesus’ return to Capernaum introduces us to the miraculous healing of one who was paralyzed. In an instant, we notice the spectating crowd, and we witness four friends who overcame every obstacle in their way just to gain an opportunity with Jesus. And conversely, we hear from the disgruntled doubters. Spectators. Overcomers. Doubters.
Jesus, as we know, was born in Bethlehem. Inaugural to His earthly ministry, Jesus returned to Galilee and lived in Capernaum. From here, He traveled throughout Galilee, preaching, teaching, healing, and performing miracles (Matthew 4:23-25). Large crowds followed Him from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and regions across the Jordan.
On one occasion, Jesus returned to Capernaum and taught in a local home of the city. First, take notice of the spectators. As you would imagine, because news has spread about Jesus the crowd was very large. (Archeological digs of this region have proven that most homes were simple one or two room homes that would hold approximately 50 people.) This home was filled, and many were stounding outside the house peering in to hopefully see and hear from Jesus. Many were there to witness first-hand what they had heard about the wondrous teaching and power of this One who was being identified as the Messiah. Walter Wessel and Mark Strauss (The Expositor’s Bible Commentary) reflect on how the crowd gathered quickly because they longed to see signs and wonders, while Jesus was in the house doing what He came to do – preaching the Gospel (Mark 1:38). At times, passive religious participation seems appealing (viewing something that excites, entertains, and meets our sensory needs or preferences). But, passive expressions of faith (sit, see, and become satisfied) can often express dead faith. But this story beckons us to look beyond the passive spectating crowd, for something active was happening just above Jesus’ head.
Second, consider the overcomers. Four individuals from the crowds carried a man who could not walk. Unable to press in close enough to Jesus, they made a hole in the roof above. They climbed up on the roof with their friend and started digging. Then they lowered the man through on a mat (Mark 2:1-4). (I believe two of the men probably jumped down through the hole they made, while two men stayed on top. Then, the two on top of the roof helped lower the paralyzed man down to the two men who were now in the room.) This was enterprising. This was bold. This was desperate. And this was faith – true faith that resulted in only one response: we need to get to Jesus. There was no concern about the pomp of religion nor the properness of etiquette. There was only a desperate surge toward Jesus because they desperately needed Him.
How often have we felt so desperate for Jesus that we would overcome whatever obstacle before us to get before the Son of God? Or does convenience sometime win out? Do we set the clock a bit early just to wake up and have more time with Jesus in Scripture reading and prayer? Do we organize our schedule and priorities to be in His house for worship each Sunday? Do we lay aside our pride and admit we messed up and need Jesus’ forgiveness? Exactly what is it costing us to desperately run after Jesus? Are we overcoming, are or we giving in to any hindrance that would stop us from chasing after the Christ?
Third, notice the doubters. Would you have been skeptical of the four men in their enterprising plight with the roof had you been there that day? There were some in the crowd who were indeed skeptical? But their questions were about Jesus. When Jesus saw the faith of the men who carried the paralytic, Jesus looked at the one paralyzed and said, “Your sins are forgiven.” In response to Jesus’ declaration of forgiveness, the religious teachers of that day murmured to themselves accusations of blasphemy, for they knew only God could forgive sin. Jesus knew their thoughts and hearts of doubt. He revealed to them proof of His authority, and declared the paralyzed man healed. Jesus gave them something they could see with their eyes (healing the crippled man) to prove that He could do what their eyes could not see (forgive sins). The paralyzed man was carried in that day, but he left leaping for joy. His legs were healed, but more importantly, his heart was made new.
Have you decided yet? Which of the three identities most represents your present practice of faith? Spectators (sitting and soaking in but not taking a stand)? Overcomers (desperately pursuing Jesus because you are convinced that He is all you need)? Doubters (holding on to your traditions without regard that Jesus makes all things new)?
The obvious hope is that each of us would answer with confidence that “overcomer” represents our present walk of faith. But, if not, ask God at this very moment to open your eyes to the spiritual condition of your life. Have you fallen to passiveness concerning the call to follow Jesus? Are there regular moments of doubting His unseen Hand at work. Or, are you living the life of an overcomer?
Today, after visiting the house in Capernaum, don’t just walk away. Run forward by faith, leaping with joy that Your healer has indeed restored you.
Blessings.
