Mattew 9, Luke 5 and Mark 2 all give us the account of 4 men bringing a paralytic to Jesus.

The BSB relays Mark’s account this way: “A few days later Jesus went back to Capernaum. And when the people heard that He was home, they gathered in such large numbers that there was no more room, not even outside the door, as Jesus spoke the word to them. Then a paralytic was brought to Him, carried by four men. Since they were unable to get to Jesus through the crowd, they uncovered the roof above Him, made an opening, and lowered the paralytic on his mat. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” But some of the scribes were sitting there and thinking in their hearts, “Why does this man speak like this? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” At once Jesus knew in His spirit that they were thinking this way within themselves. “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts?” He asked. “Which is easier: to say to a paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, pick up your mat, and walk’? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins…” He said to the paralytic, “I tell you, get up, pick up your mat, and go home.” And immediately the man got up, picked up his mat, and walked out in front of them all. As a result, they were all astounded and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!” (Mark 2:1-12)

I have but one simple thought here – but what I hope will be a word of encouragment.

Our faith greatly effects others, when by virtue of it, we bring men to Him – either in the sense of giving them the Gospel, or bringing them to sit under the preaching of the Word, or even in prayer – that they might be touched by Him. Pray beloved. It is not a fruitless exercise. When we believe enough to bring men before Him, He is willing enough to respond.

Especially, I want to emphasize what an encouragement this is to pray for others.

We have no indication in this account that the paralytic had any faith or hope of restoration of his own. But these men, they were faithful to bring the man before the King of Kings. And this is what we do when we pray for those yet bound in their trespasses and sins.

In prayer, we take the roof off. We bring them into His presence. We make their need known to Him. And as the good God He is – He responds to our faith in bringing them to Him.

Bring them all. Do not hesitate.

Many cannot nor will not bring themselves. But that makes no difference. In prayer, we bring them directly into the presence of the God of Glory. And He responds.

He has providentially placed them in your circle, that you might intervene on their behalf. He invites you to participate in His wondrous work.

Pray for your lost loved ones beloved. Pray in faith. Pray expectantly. You have every reason to believe He will hear you.

Pray the roof off.