Why was the paralytic healed because of his 4 friends' faith in Mk 2?

[tonychanyt]

Mk 2:

1And when he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. 2And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them. 3 And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men.

4 men, one on each corner.

4 And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. 5 And when Jesus saw their faith,

'their' referred to the 4 men. Jesus highlighted the 4 friends' faith because they went to great lengths to bring the paralyzed man to Jesus. They carried him, dug through the roof, and lowered him down to where Jesus was. Their actions demonstrated their belief in Jesus' power and willingness to heal.

he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”

The paralytic was forgiven. The paralyzed man's own faith was likely present, though not explicitly mentioned. Faith is not always just an individualistic matter. Ga 6:

1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

This incident focused on faith expressed communally or through the actions of others. The friends' faith served as an intercessory role. Ja 5:

16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

The story of the paralyzed man and his friends shows that faith is not always an isolated, individual act. While each person must ultimately respond to Jesus in faith, God often uses the faith and actions of others to bring people to himself. The friends' faith created an opportunity for the paralyzed man to encounter Jesus, and Jesus responded to their faith by forgiving and healing him. This highlights the importance of community, intercession, and the power of faith to bring about God's work in the lives of others.