Take Heart – Br. Luke Ditewig
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Br. Luke Ditewig
Jesus sees faith in the friends. Matthew tells it starkly. Mark paints a picture. Four carry their friend to Jesus. Because of the crowd, they can’t get in the door. They climb up, dig through part of the roof, and lower their friend down in front of Jesus (Mark 2:1-12). See their faith: persistent, risky, and unembarrassed effort.
Imagine being the one brought, coming face to face with Jesus. I see excitement and eagerness as well as fear. What will Jesus do? I imagine shame I know well: Will Jesus accept me? Was all this effort worth it? Am I worth it?
Jesus sees faith. Jesus sees the friend brought. Seeing awe, fear, shame, and all that is, Jesus says: “Take heart” (Matthew 9:2). Have courage. Jesus reassures. Jesus reassures deeper still: “Your sins are forgiven.” You are alright with God. Then for mercy and to show authority, Jesus heals. With forgiveness, the once paralyzed walks free.
Where do you identify with this story today? How have others brought you to Jesus, pointed, lifted, encouraged, prayed? How are you seeking and encountering Jesus? For your need, your pain, how you’re trapped, what you lack – perhaps with a mix of desire, doubt, and shame.
How have you heard or are hearing Jesus’ reassurance? Take heart. Have courage. You have been forgiven. You are my beloved child. You are enough and more. You are precious.
Jesus sees you, knows your pain. Jesus knows your back story, the understory. Jesus declares forgiveness, dismisses shame, and invites moving with freedom. Name your desire and what feels stuck. Listen to Jesus’ reassurance. Take heart. Have courage. I love you.