A Disorienting Text (Mk. 2:1-12)

Having translated Mk. 2:1-12 last week, I began working with the unit for an upcoming sermon. This is a disorienting text!

• A crowd gathered to hear Jesus. Check. That was normal. Some people were extremely desperate to get to Jesus. Check. That was normal. Jesus offended religious people. Check. That was normal. Without asking Jesus for anything, the paralytic had his sins forgiven and his disease healed. What a gracious, merciful, compassionate Savior! Check. So far, so good.
• Then it happens. Something inside you demands an acknowledgement, a simple response, anything to suggest gratitude. It isn't there.  The silence of the paralytic is deafening. There was no "Thank You, Jesus!" There was no end zone dance, no penalty assessed for excessive celebration. He went along with the program and kept his mouth shut.
• Another disorienting thing is that Jesus forgave the paralytic's sins based on his friends' faith.  I'll have to research that some more. 

Here's a bonus tidbit:  The greatest hindrance to a person's approaching Jesus might be the people who are already with Him!  The next greatest hindrance might be the building.