Some men took a man who was not able to move his body to Jesus. He was carried on a bed. They looked for a way to take the man into the house where Jesus was. 19 But they could not find a way to take him in because of so many people. They made a hole in the roof over where Jesus stood. Then they let the bed with the sick man on it down before Jesus. 20 When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the man, “Friend, your sins are forgiven. — Luke 5:18-20.
Most of us are familiar with the story above. The focus of the story is about healing, but like most of the stories about Jesus there is a story within the story, oftentimes even more significant.
Luke tells us there was no way to enter the house. The house was full and the room was so packed no one could come through the door. The walls, the door, the people, and the roof were all barriers keeping people away from God in the flesh. So what did they do? They broke down the barrier by tearing a hole in the roof, and lowering their friend down by ropes. For those on the outside they found a way, and Jesus seeing their faith invited them into the community and healed their friend.
Jesus was teaching compassion. When we show compassion barriers get eliminated. When we are as compassionate as the Lord, we remove barriers and no one is excluded.
Lent is a time where we explore what it means to be compassionate as God. When we remove barriers not only can we come into the room; but also, others can come greet us. What roof in your life needs a hole?
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