Luke 5:19-20 – But finding no way to bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the midst before Jesus. And when he saw their faith, he said, "Man, your sins are forgiven you." (ESV)

Recently, we have had a period of eased lockdown at our church. These were socially distanced events with simple acts of worship from the front, without congregational singing, and a family-based talk. Nonetheless, it was a consolation to return to the church building where I know that God's presence abides.

During one such family talk devoted to today's passage, we were given a small, flat-packed cardboard box to reconstruct into its intended three-dimensional shape: a cube with a two-inch edge.

Into the lid on the top of the box, we were instructed to make a hole, a present-day representation of these men burrowing a hole in the roof above Jesus over 2000 years ago. Into the box, we placed the little play-dough man that we had made prior to assembling the cardboard box.

This simple enactment gave me an overview, a focus, and a perspective that I had not thought of before. Here was Jesus confined in a box!

On the one hand, along with all the dust and dirt, it must have been a pleasing moment for Jesus to see hopeful men looking on imploringly with such faith as they lowered their loved one down to be healed.

In contrast, I can imagine Jesus' exasperation with the naysayers in the crowd just in front of Him. They thought that He was speaking blasphemy, for only God can forgive sins. I admire Jesus' self-control. I would not have been so gracious, even if I were to be so provocative, as is my nature. For me, Jesus was saying, "Don't you get it? Join up the dots!" They had put Jesus into a box.

I fear that all too often today, we have put Jesus into a box of our own making. We make Him into a Jesus who can do only what we expect of Him through teaching, habit, or culture. We constantly attempt to control Him by who or what we think He is. He is greater, and we do well to remember that.

I believe that Jesus still says, "Don't you get it? Join up the dots. Let Me out of the box. Nothing is impossible. Your sins are forgiven. Rise up and walk!"

We can go home praising God for the love that He has for us, a love that is not boxed in, confined by our understanding or expectations. We just have to ask.

Prayer: Lord, we marvel at Your great love for us, Your chosen people, a royal priesthood. Thank You that nothing can separate us from Your love — not even our limited comprehension of Who You are. Please forgive us our sins today, and may we go on our way into the day rejoicing with You at our side, through the presence of the Holy Spirit. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Rod Marshall <roderickhenrymarshall@gmail.com>
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England
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