Family Day 16: Faith that empowers others

Today's Scripture

A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”
— Mark 2:1-5 (NIV)

Reflect on the Word

In Mark 2, Jesus saw the faith of the friends of the paralyzed man and how important it was for them to have their friend healed. Their faith inspired Jesus to heal him. They believed that Jesus was the only one who could help him, so they were willing to do whatever it took to get their friend to Jesus.

Just like the friends had faith to bring the disabled man to Jesus, our faith can help bring others to Jesus too. We know that Jesus is the only one who can help in impossible situations—things like sickness, hurt and sadness. When we see people in these situations, we can bring them to Jesus in prayer. We can try to introduce them to Jesus and share His love for them. We can show them God’s love by serving and helping them. When we trust God, our faith helps bring hope and healing—not just for ourselves, but for our friends and family, too.

Family Moment

Do you know someone who needs physical healing? Someone in need of encouragement? Or someone not yet following Jesus? Invite each family member to name someone they want to ‘carry’ to Jesus in prayer.

Let's Pray!

Take time to pray over every person and situation you wanted to “carry” to Jesus in your Family Moment.