JUNE 4, Mark 2:1-4

The roofs of the houses of olden days were flat and often leaked. This is because the roofing materials were neither strong nor solid. They consisted of brushwood branches woven together and layered across sycamore rafters or wooden planks. These were then covered with a thick layer of clay that filled the spaces between the branches forming a hardened layer of plaster. Fresh coats had to be applied yearly as they get worn out or washed off by rain. Plaster helps to prevent leaks during heavy rains.

Owing to its weak structure, cutting through the roofs in those days was a piece of cake. This was exactly what four good and faithful friends of a paralysed man did to the roof of a house in the town of Capernaum. Jesus was preaching in the house. It was so crowded with people that the entrance to the house was blocked. They did not give up because of their brotherly love for their friend. Since they could not bring the afflicted man to Jesus the normal way, their solution was to carry their sick friend up to the rooftop, cut away part of the roof and lower the sick man through the roof. Ingenious!

This Bible passage is not written just to tell us of roof construction. It tells us of the importance of having faith in God. The four men believed in Jesus’ love and His power to heal. God is so pleased with their faith that He gave them a solution. Good ideas are gifts from God.

Look at the picture of the four friends lowering their paralysed friend down from the roof. Draw the missing friend.

Thought: Faith pleases God.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, may we lovingly and faithfully point our lost friends to Jesus. Only Thou can save them. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.