Page:Spiritual Reflections for Every Day in the Year - Vol 2.pdf/17



N verse 4, it is said that those who brought the paralytic to Jesus, "when they could not come nigh unto Him for the press, uncovered the roof where He was, and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay." Here a difficulty may arise in some minds as to the uncovering of the roof, and letting the sick man down, as Luke expresses it, through the tiling. (v. 19.) This, however, will vanish, when it is known that the roof of Mark, and the tiling of Luke, was only a temporary veil or covering, which in Eastern countries it was customary to raise over the heads of persons who instructed the multitude, to shield them from the heat, and that the people who brought the sick man, removed this covering aside, in order to let down the sufferer where Jesus was. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the sick of the palsy, "Son, thy sins be forgiven thee." This merciful salutation was followed by a divine command, "Arise, take up thy bed, and walk." The man arose! all were amazed! and glorified God.