Four Friends and a Roof

A house in Capernaum was full of people listening to Jesus. The doorway was so crowded that there was no room to pass.

Four friends arrived carrying a man who could not walk. He lay on a mat, and they wanted to bring him to Jesus.

But the crowd blocked their way.

The friends found another way to help. They climbed onto the roof and opened a space above Jesus.

The four friends carefully lowered the mat.

Now the man was in front of Jesus. His friends had not abandoned him when things became difficult.

Jesus saw their trust. He told the man his sins were forgiven.

Some teachers wondered how he could say that. They knew forgiveness of sins belonged to God.

Jesus knew their thoughts. To show his authority, he told the man to get up, carry his mat, and go home.

The man stood and carried his mat.

Everyone was amazed and praised God. The man who had arrived carried by others walked out himself.

This story teaches the value of friendship that truly helps.

We can stay with someone, ask for help, and seek a solution together. We can work together and ask an adult for help.

Those men wanted what was good for their friend. We can notice people who need support too.

Love shows when a difficulty does not make us forget the person we want to care for.

Jesus cares and helps, and we can share his kindness.