I was reading the account of Jesus healing the Paralytic1, who was lowered down the roof by his friends, when I came across this painting2.
Such a striking painting! Who’s this man? What is he carrying? Like a cross?
He’s the healed paralytic! At this realisation, I was struck (again) by profound gut-wrenched sorrow + pride + joy. While I remain unable to properly explain these emotions, here are some thoughts.
The words that Jesus used to pronounce healing over this man:
“I say to you, rise, pick up your bed and go home.” (Luke 5:24). What is Jesus saying? Rise: step up pick up your bed: bear your own burden, pull your own weight and go home: to be an asset to the people around you
Jesus did not say: – Let me help you stand. – Friends of this man – come help him with his things! – May your muscles, nerves and bones heal and may you feel no more pain.
Because that is not the miracle. What then is the miracle?
The painting proclaims the marvel that has occurred:
The deadweight paralytic who needed his friends to haul him up the roof can now be an asset to those around him.
Each time I see this painting, I think of the miracle that Jesus performed on us, and all the potential miracles that could be performed on others. And once again, I am re-struck by this inexplicable sorrow + pride + joy, as I hope you are.
_________________________________________________________ 1 Our sister Vanessa Ong gave her baptism testimony Christmas time last year. She shared that she always remembered this story, leading me to read the accounts. 2 https://www.nga.gov/artworks/12205-healing-paralytic Netherlandish 16th Century, The Healing of the Paralytic; National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Kim Yong
