Have you ever been into a shop and seen some items for sale at a reduced price because they are “slightly flawed goods?” These goods have something wrong with them. You have to spot the flaw yourself. There are lots of people who could have this sign over their own lives. Something has gone wrong. It may not be apparent what the flaw is from the outside. Do you feel like “slightly damaged goods?”

We are all slightly weird. No one is “normal”. Some people are too self-righteous to admit it. The church is a collection of “slightly damaged goods”. Small groups are critical in the church. However it requires us to get close to others who are “damaged goods” also.

1 – The power of friendship (vs. 3)

The paralysed man was limited in what he could do from the mat. He was dependent upon the help of others. There were no rights for the disabled. At this time many believed that if you were paralysed it was because you or your parents had sinned and this was God’s judgment. He had a group of friends who cared enough to help. Friendship that is deep is:-

• Intentional – He was part of a small group. It is a choice to get to know people better.
• Embraces – Friendship cares about broken people. Jesus welcomed and embraced broken people. He was called “a friend of sinners” in a derogatory way by his detractors. However, it was his willingness to reach out to Samaritans, tax-collectors, etc in friendship that endeared Him to many people.

2 – The challenge of mat-carrying (vs. 3)

Notice two things:-

• Vulnerability – The paralysed man had to be comfortable with other people seeing his weakness. He was open to it. When was the last time you allowed someone to carry your mat? Without help he was stuck!
• Accountability – It is a responsible job. You can get bruised if you get dropped. People are afraid to get hurt. We are to be responsible in the support that we bring.

3 – The sacrifice of serving (vs. 4-5)

The mat-carriers are not put off by the crowds to see Jesus. They hung around and devised a plan to get their friend to Jesus. They could have went away to try another day. They put themselves out to help another person. They had faith. Jesus rewards this type of faith. When we have the support of a small group we can achieve things we could never do alone.

4 – The barrenness of religion (vs. 6-7)

The teachers of the law had no friends to bring to Jesus. They had a form of religion that was cold and uncaring. It is not about outward appearance or performance. May God give us a true religion that cares and makes friends like Jesus did. May your church be a church of small groups?

Categories: Mark