The Faith of Friends

October 4, 2017

DAILY READING

Matthew 9:2-8

This week’s sermon text: Romans 9:1-18

FIELD NOTES

During Jesus’ ministry on earth, people came to him in many ways. Some boldly stood up to follow Him when called. Others held Him in the regard of a dear friend or family member and invited Him into their homes. Those who were lame, sick or poor confidently reached out to Him for healing.

In our reading today, we see a man who could come to Jesus by no other way than to be carried by his friends. As a paralytic, he could not walk on his own, and the scripture tells us that it’s his friends who exhibited the faith that moved Jesus to heal the paralyzed man. Other gospels (Mark 2:1-12, Luke 5:17-26) tell us that because they could not get through the door, the four friends lowered him through the roof, doing whatever possible to get their friend to Jesus.

QUESTIONS FOR THE FIELD

• Who do you identify with more: the paralyzed man or the friends?
• How have others helped shape your faith? Consider reaching out to them to say thank you.

FAMILY FIELD TALK

• Who do you know that needs help?
• How can you help them?
• How can you be a good friend?

Prayer Guide

Thank you, God, for the people in our lives that have brought us to Jesus. Help us to have faith like these friends. May we do whatever it takes to be near to you.