One of the stories detailed in the Bible during Jesus’ ministry took place in Capernaum, when the people heard of His presence and gathered in large numbers to see Him. A group of four men brought their paralyzed friend to the gathering in hopes that he could be healed by Jesus. Due to the large number of people within the meeting place, they could not enter the building. Instead, they carried their friend to the roof, created an opening, and lowered their paralyzed friend into the room on his mat. Jesus was amazed by the faith of the men, and healed their paralyzed friend. (Mark 2:1-12 and Luke 5:17-26.)
I once saw a meme that said, “No one talks about the miracle of Jesus having 12 close friends in his 30s.” I believe many people can relate to this sentiment. Once we graduate from high school and/or college and progress forward in life, it is often challenging to maintain old friendships and make new ones. We may have neighbors, coworkers, or people we see at various gatherings, but many individuals lack true, intimate friendships with others.
According to a recent Pew Research Study, 53% of American adults have between one and four close friends, 38% have five or more close friends, and 8% of adults claim they have none at all.
God desires for His children to have sincere and genuine friendships.
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2.)
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother or sister in Christ is born for adversity.” (Proverbs 17:17.)
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1)
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12.)
As I mature in my Christian walk, I have come to view the concept of friendships differently. When I was younger, I used to believe that friendships simply consisted of finding individuals who I enjoyed spending time with and who I had things in common with, which can certainly be components of healthy relationships.
However, God’s Word about friendships ventures much deeper. From a spiritual standpoint, friends are meant to encourage one another during challenging seasons, to hold one another accountable for our words and actions, to pray for one another… and, to help us draw closer to Jesus.
While I cannot speak on behalf of secular counterparts, for many Christians, often these types of friendships can only be found by belonging to a church community. In and through church, various connections of all ages and walks of life can come alongside one another to provide mentorship, inspiration, and devotion.
In the Bible story, “Carried by Four,” before instructing the paralyzed man to take up his mat and walk home, Jesus said to him, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.”
While the man’s physical ailment was his most obvious and outward affliction, Jesus demonstrated His divine authority by recognizing that the paralyzed man also needed forgiveness and restoration.
The story, “Carried by Four,” is a beautiful illustration of how Christian friendships can carry us both literally and figuratively.
In the story, the men physically carried their friend, lowered him through the roof, and trusted that Jesus would perform a miracle.
Likewise, when we are surrounded by and in community with Christian friends, their encouragement, their prayers, and their intercession can carry us into the figurative presence of our Savior – the place where forgiveness, revelation, and transformation unfold.
The unwavering faith of friends who carried their companion demonstrates the power of community in action. “Carried by Four” serves as a powerful reminder that we are never alone on our journey. With the support of our fellow believers, we are continually carried ever closer to the divine presence of Jesus.
