the power of your faith
Scripture: Luke 5:20–26
Have you ever thought about how your faith could impact someone else’s life? In Luke 5, a paralyzed man is carried by his friends to Jesus. They believe so strongly that Jesus can do something for him that they go to great lengths—tearing through a roof—just to get him close. What happens next changes everything:
“When he saw their faith, he said, ‘Man, your sins are forgiven you.’” (Luke 5:20)
This moment reminds us of three powerful truths:
1. Faith Brings Others to Salvation
The friends in this story didn’t just carry their friend’s body—they carried his need. They thought his greatest problem was his legs, but Jesus revealed his deepest need was forgiveness. Because of their faith, Jesus called the man “friend” and forgave his sins.
That’s the kind of friend we’re called to be—the one who believes enough to bring others to Jesus. When we do, we offer them the same hope we’ve received: a Savior who carries our sin, shame, and punishment, and in exchange gives us the blessing of righteousness.
2. Doubt Hinders, but Jesus Responds with Power
Not everyone in the room was excited. The religious leaders questioned, “Who can forgive sins but God alone?” Their doubt could have been a roadblock, but Jesus answered not with words alone—He backed it up with action. He healed the man right in front of them, proving He has authority not just to heal bodies, but to forgive sins.
Our doubt can keep us or others from experiencing the fullness of Jesus. But faith opens the door for His power to be revealed.
3. Jesus Has Authority to Save
At the heart of this story isn’t the friends, the crowd, or even the miracle of healing—it’s Jesus Himself. He is God with full authority to forgive sins and heal the broken. The man’s healing wasn’t just for him; it became a testimony that left the entire crowd glorifying God in awe, saying, “We have seen extraordinary things today.”
When we bring people to Jesus, the end result is not only their transformation but also glory to God.
Faith isn’t just about believing for ourselves. It’s about carrying others to Jesus, trusting Him to meet their deepest needs, and giving God the glory when He does what only He can do.
So here’s the question: Who in your life needs you to carry them to Jesus in faith today?
DEVOTIONal
Scripture: Luke 5:18–19
“Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus. When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus.”
Sometimes it feels like there are barriers keeping us from getting to God. Maybe it’s people who disappoint us, maybe it’s our own doubts, or maybe it’s just life getting in the way. This is when the importance of having the right people around us matters. These men carried their friend when he couldn’t carry himself. That’s what real love does. Real friendship doesn’t stop at “close enough.” It doesn’t quit when things get heavy. It says, “I’ll go the extra mile with you, because the burden is worth it if it gets you to Jesus.”
That’s the kind of love Jesus has for us. He didn’t stop short when the cross got heavy—He carried our sin all the way so we could be forgiven.
If you’re new to faith: You may feel stuck, broken, or far from God. But Jesus sees you and is ready to meet you. No barrier is too big.
If you’re unsure about following Jesus: Know that His love is not about rules or religion—it’s about Him carrying what you cannot carry yourself.
If you’re already walking with Him: Be the kind of friend who helps others get to Jesus. Sometimes your faith can be the bridge that brings someone else to hope.
Reflection Questions
Who in your life might need you to “tear the roof off” and bring them to Jesus in prayer, encouragement, or invitation?
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for being the Friend who carried my burden all the way to the cross. Help me not to give up when life feels heavy. And give me the courage to love others enough to bring them to You, no matter what it takes. Amen.