Mark 2:9-12 “Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all.”
 
You never know how a simple encounter can change your life. Looking back on my life some of my deepest relationships have started with the most unexpected encounters. The same can be said with Jesus as well. Good things happen when we meet Jesus.
 
That’s why crowds gathered to meet Jesus when he was here on the earth -- they wanted to meet him because they were convinced that something good would happen when they did. When we drive to a restaurant and see a lot of cars in the parking lot - we think, “that place must have good food.” When go to a movie and there is a crowd there - we figure it could be a good one. For a while, crowds followed Jesus wherever he went because they believed good things would happen.
 
When we encounter Jesus we find out that he forgives completely and freely, healing us of our past. In Mark 2 Jesus encounters a paralyzed man and this moment changes the paralytics life, not just in a physical way but most importantly spiritually.
 
Can you remember the day you encountered Jesus? When is the last time you carried a friend who is hurting to a place where they could encounter Jesus too? Is there someone in your life today that you know needs a Jesus encounter?
 
Take a few moments to read and reflect on Mark chapter 2 and look for the next Jesus encounter in your life today!
 
God Bless,
 
Mike