Unmoved

Luke 5:17-26

This is a very interesting and very subtle juxtaposition of two kinds of people who listen to Jesus’ teachings: those who listen to find fault with the gospel and those who press on through the crowd (and maybe even vandalize another man’s roof) just so they could get near Jesus.

The scribes and Pharisees were there. They got the front row seats of the thick throng of people who gathered to hear Jesus. They were so privileged but that didn’t mean anything to them. They didn’t come to listen and be changed by the message. They came to criticize and look for loopholes.

Outside, a paralytic was carried by his four friends. They, too, wanted to hear Jesus. But they were not influential enough to get front row seats, in fact, they could not even get in.

Before the day was over, this paralytic was the one who got the most out of the gathering. He met Jesus and he was forever changed. He got forgiven and he was miraculously healed. He walked home with restored health.

The scribes and Pharisees could criticize all they want. The crowd could marvel and walk away unmoved. But only those who take Jesus at His word will be changed and walk in the newness of life.