I read this familiar passage this morning in my time alone:  Mark 2:1-5   A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. 2 So many gathered that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. 3 Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of them. 4 Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on. 5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” 

As I read this, I tried to put myself in this actual event; thinking about the four men who made such a dramatic attempt to get their friend to Jesus.  Did they break some rules or even some cultural norms with what they did?   What did it cost them in time and money to repair the hole they made in the roof of the home where Jesus was?   Were they ridiculed for doing something I’m sure some people thought was a little overboard or ridiculous?   And isn’t it interesting that Jesus’ work in this man’s life was predicated on their faith which was demonstrated in such an active way!

I was challenged as I read this passage; personally,  and then cooperately for our church.  Our church family does a great job at investing in people – inviting them to GFC – and interceding (praying) for them and their needs.  I try to do the same; leading by example.   However, I wonder if we are as bold as these four men?  In Order To Get Our Friends To Jesus —- 1) Are you and I willing to break some rules or cutural norms?  2) Are we willing to invest time & money and not worry so much about the cost?  3)  Are we willing to be ridiculed or laughed at if that’s what it takes?  4) Will we actively do something about it?