Treasures in Heaven
(Matthew 6:19-20)
19 Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal; 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven , where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal.
1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is when brothers dwell together in unity!
Psalms 133:1
Do you like living with your friends?
Playing with them, having a good laugh, traveling, chatting, playing video games?
Hmm… that's all very well, but
Do you know what makes a true friend?
Stay with us in happy times, but also when we are sad, sick, or need help.
Do you have a good friend like that?
And are you friends with someone even when they're not having fun or aren't excited to play?
In today's story, we're going to see something incredible that happened to a man who had two things: faith in Jesus and friends. Come with me!
A Man Who Could Not Walk Was Healed Because His Friends Helped Him
Bible Reference: Mark 2:1–5
There was a man who could not walk—he was paralyzed. The Bible does not tell us his name, but it says he lived in bed.
Since he could not walk and wheelchairs did not exist at that time, there was no other option—he had to stay in bed…
Because of this, he depended on others to take him from one place to another.
One day, this man heard about Jesus and learned that He would be in a house in that area. He had no doubt. He thought:
—I need to go there and see Jesus, because I know He will heal me.
But there was a problem:
How would he get to Jesus?
Remember, he could not walk!
That’s when his friends stepped in!
His friends tied the paralyzed man to a mat, which was like a bed without legs, and carried him to the house where Jesus was. But the place was full of people! They could not even get inside!
Oh no… another problem…
What could they do now?
The four friends of the paralyzed man came up with a solution. It was not an easy one, but they did not give up.
Do you know what they did?
They climbed up to the roof, made a hole in it, and lowered the paralyzed man down on the mat, tied with ropes.
Damn! They really were loyal friends, weren't they? But do you know why they did this?
Because they were sure that their paralyzed friend would be healed by Jesus, so every effort would be worthwhile.
When Jesus saw the faith of those 5 men (the paralytic and his 4 friends), he immediately healed him and said:
—Son, your sins are forgiven.
Wow! Not only did he walk again, but Jesus saw his heart and saved him! Amazing, isn't it?
Everyone there was very impressed.
Imagine seeing a miracle like that right in front of you!
Yes, Jesus is still the same and wants to heal us, but it was necessary for all those men to be united in a single mission for the healing to happen.
That's what happened, and that's why it worked so well!
What did you learn from this story?
Jesus loves to perform miracles, but he doesn't do anything alone: he needs our help. How is it that he isn't powerful on his own? Of course he is, but the help he needs from us is our faith.
In the story we learned today, five men had great faith and, because of this, they had the right attitude to go to Jesus and not give up on their friend who couldn't walk. Jesus couldn't bear to see such faith and friendship and blessed them.
When we're alone and believe in Jesus, good things happen. But when we're on a team with our friends, even bigger and better things can happen!
The union of peoples touches the heart of God.
That's why it's important to have good friends and to be friendly with people too!
It is TIME to PRAY
Jesus, thank you for being good and always wanting to perform miracles. Thank you also to all my true friends. May I be a good friend and be able to help people when they need it. Amen.
