March 12, 2025 Midweek News
Last Sunday we began our Lenten worship series “Signs & Wonders.” We are exploring the miracles of Jesus and their meaning for us today. What does it mean to be a caregiver nowadays? Working as a CNA at a care facility? Taking a meal to a neighbor recovering from surgery? Filling out medical paperwork for a parent? Caregiving is a major task whether you are a volunteer or employee. The work often goes unnoticed or is underappreciated. It is hard to balance self-care and self-sacrifice as a caregiver. That can mean burnout or injuries for caregivers.
In Mark 2, we see four friends lower their paralyzed friend through the roof in order to get access to Jesus. That must have been an astonishing moment! The first response of Jesus is not to heal the man, or get upset about the new skylight in his house, but to notice the faith of the caregivers. Jesus sees them, appreciates them, and affirms their faithfulness.
All this takes place in Capernaum, on the coast of the Sea of Galilee in Northern Israel. Capernaum was a home base of healing for the first half of Mark. It’s where Jesus tells his followers “the greatest is the one who serves.”
Where are or where have been the “Capernaum’s” – the places of healing – in your life? A special lake spot? A relative’s home? A vacation or recreation destination? What more might our congregation do to become a “Capernaum” for those who need healing most?
I hope to see you next Sunday as we continue our series. Or join us for our weekly Bible study lunch at 12:15p on Wednesdays as we explore each miracle in a deeper way.
Blessings,
Pastor Jared