Who are “They”?

A Short Devotion from Reasons for Hope*Jesus

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“Then they came to Him, bringing a paralytic who was carried by four men. And when they could not come near Him because of the crowd, they uncovered the roof where He was. So when they had broken through, they let down the bed on which the paralytic was lying. When Jesus saw their faith… (Mark 2:3-5)

“Then they brought to him one who was deaf and had an impediment in his speech, and they begged Him to put His hand on him. And He took him aside from the multitude… (Mark 7:32-33)

Faith Perseveres

These unnamed friends, “they,” are faithful and persistent. All they know is their friends needs help and Jesus was healing people in their towns (Capernaum in Mark 2. Decapolis in Mark 7). When there is a pressing need, we find ourselves in a state of desperation to find help. Have you ever felt unnamed, lost in the crowd? How important is it for you to be acknowledged, noticed for your efforts, given credit? It’s good to remind ourselves that God is watching. God sees, knows, and promises to reward. Man is fickle but God will never forget. (Hebrews 11:6) One of God’s Hebrew name is El Roi, the God who sees. (Genesis 16:13)

God Sees and Rewards

Notice Jesus saw their faith and then took the deaf man aside. Though the crowds and the needs were great, Jesus cared, noticed, and dealt with people on a personal level. He does that for you and me in our world today. You’re not a no-name among the masses. He sees you and He knows you intimately.

“Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. (Luke 12:6-7)