Jesus in Capernaum

In looking closely at the New Testament teaching about Jesus, specifically in the gospels, the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, we see that the town of Capernaum played a key role in the life of Jesus.  We know that Jesus grew up in Nazareth, a town in Galilee.  But when He began His ministry He moved over to Capernaum and made this His new home base, His new home town (Matthew 4).  And the reason for moving was the rejection of the people of Nazareth; they couldn't accept that this son of a carpenter could be the Son of God. 

We read more about Capernaum in a number of places in the NT.  But I like the events that we find in Mark 1 and 2.  In chapter 1 we read that Jesus went into the home of  Peter and Andrew and healed their mother of a bad fever.  She was apparently quite sick, but immediately recovered and proceeded to serve the others.  He also healed others at this time and drove evil spirits out of some.  We read that the crowds were so great that He had to get out of town, move around some.  But in Mark 2, He returns home to Capernaum and is teaching a large crowd of people who have gathered.  This is where four men carrying a paraplegic cannot get to Him, go up on the roof and cut a hole, lowering the crippled man down to Jesus. 

This is an amazing miracle considering how much trouble these men went to in order to get this man to Jesus, the Healer.  Jesus, upon seeing how this was accomplished, remarked that He was impressed with their faith and proceeded to say first that the man's sins were forgiven.  Some in the crowd challenged Jesus about His forgiving sins, so He then healed the man.

We aren't told who repaired the roof.  Oh, but I know a good carpenter!  Jesus would be the perfect one for that.  But, of course, the roof isn't the point.  We cannot help but be amazed at the miracles that our Lord performed....and at the compassion that He exhibited. 

All of this builds our faith, reminding us that Jesus is Lord.  And just as He took care of this crippled man, He will take care of us, too. 

Thanks for reading.  Have a great week!