Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven” (Mark 2:3-5).

My kids used to play with dominoes when they were little. One time, my sons covered my entire bedroom floor with them. Setting them up was thrilling, as was anticipating the start of a chain reaction when the first domino fell. 

We see a different kind of domino effect in Mark chapter 2. It all started with some friends who had compassion for a paralyzed friend. This motivated them to figure out a way to transport him to Jesus, the Healer. I can’t imagine how difficult this would have been in biblical times. Wheelchairs had not been invented yet. The friends likely had to carry him a long distance. Then, they had to devise a plan to get through the crowd blocking them from Jesus. I wonder how they managed to carry their friend onto the roof of a house. Finally, they made an opening in the roof and lowered the paralyzed man down into the house while begging Jesus to heal their friend. This resulted not only in their friend’s physical healing, but spiritual healing as well.

Mark doesn’t talk about all of the domino effects that happened after that, but I imagine that it continued.

Imagine how the healed man was changed by the faith of his friends. Maybe he could get a job now and help support his family. In addition, he most likely became a devoted follower of Jesus. 

Imagine how much the faith of the spectators would have grown. Did seeing the healing also lead others to believe in Jesus? I bet the news spread everywhere.

When the healed man went to his village, what effect would his return have had on his family and friends? Did it give the man an opportunity to share how his sins were forgiven too? Did it lead to a conversation about how Jesus is not just a healer, but God?

One thing I believe is that it would have pointed them to Jesus. It’s incredible to think about how one act of kindness and faith can lead to a chain reaction of events. The impact of their compassion for their friend and faith in Jesus would have spread throughout the community and inspired others to come to Jesus too. After all, we have been reading this very story for the past two thousand years!

We were all made on purpose for a purpose. Part of our purpose is to do good works in Jesus' name. These small or big works will also create a domino effect, even if we don’t see it. Being part of events, like Chatham Serves, is a great way to shine a bit of light in our community. We also have opportunities at home, work, and in our social groups to do good works and create domino effects that will point others to Jesus.  Just as my children eagerly awaited the cascade of dominoes they set in motion, what small action can you take today that might set off a chain reaction of goodness and grace in the lives of those around you?

Lord, please open my eyes to the good works that you have prepared for me to do. I pray that my obedience will direct others to you.