Sam's Biblical Insight, Exploring the Word, Faith, Theology, Doctrine, and Christian Life in the Spirit

Text: Luke 5: 20

“And when He saw their faith, He said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.”

What kind of faith catches Jesus’ attention?

In Luke 5:20, friends tear through a roof to reach Him—not just for a miracle, but because they saw the Messiah among them. This unfolds in Israel, God’s chosen nation, yet their bold moves hint at a faith beyond mere divine selection. Was it their choice, not just predestined favor, that sparked His reaction? Let’s dig into this story and its echoes across Scripture.

1. Did Jesus See with Human Eyes or Divine Insight?

In Luke 5:20, the text says, “When He saw their faith” (ἰδὼν τὴν πίστιν αὐτῶν). The Greek word ὁράω (horaō, G3708) typically means physical sight, though it can stretch to spiritual perception. Here, the focus is on what Jesus observed: friends climbing a roof, prying off tiles, and lowering a paralytic into His presence (Luke 5:18-19). These bold, visible actions scream determination and trust in Jesus.

As a human, Jesus could see this with His own eyes—tangible proof of a faith in action. Yet, as God incarnate, His perception likely went deeper, blending human observation with divine understanding. The text, however, zeroes in on the physical: their effort was faith made visible. Luke’s narrative ties ὁράω to their extraordinary deeds, suggesting Jesus recognized their trust in what unfolded before Him.

2. What Made Their Faith Stand Out?

The faith in Luke 5:17-26 isn’t quiet or passive—it’s alive with distinct traits:

• Persistence: A crowded house didn’t stop them; they kept pushing.
• Determination: Dismantling a roof? That’s resolve on another level.
• Boldness: Their disruptive act took guts, ignoring social norms.
• Love: Their care for their friend fueled every step.
• Community: This wasn’t solo faith—it was a group effort, including the paralytic’s trust.
• Trust in Jesus: They believed in Him and His power.

Luke paints their actions in vivid detail, spotlighting a faith that doesn’t just sit still. It moves, breaks barriers, and reaches for Jesus, as the violent take it by force (Matthew 11:12).

3. Faith That Echoes Through Scripture

Faith that manifests in action is a recurring theme throughout Scripture. Hebrews 11—the “Hall of Faith”—highlights this truth by celebrating examples such as Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice (Hebrews 11:17-19) and Noah’s commitment in building the ark (Hebrews 11:7). As James drives it home, “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:17-18), reminding us that trust in God is demonstrated through deeds.

The Gospels further reinforce this principle with vivid examples:

• The centurion’s humble trust in Jesus’ authority (Matthew 8:10).
• The woman who boldly touched His garment despite her shame (Mark 5:34).
• The Canaanite woman’s relentless pleas against rejection (Matthew 15:28).

These narratives reveal a faith that perseveres, obeys, and acts—often against the odds. Like the friends in Luke 5 who tore through a roof to reach Jesus, these examples challenge us to put our faith into decisive, transformative action.

Conclusion: The Faith Jesus Sees

In Luke 5:20, amid God’s chosen people, faith ignited when friends recognized the Messiah and acted—prompting Jesus to respond with both healing and forgiveness. He “saw” their trust—not as part of a prewritten script, but as a daring, personal response to His presence. Reformed theology teaches that faith is a gift from God, secured by election.Yet, what if being “chosen” merely sets the stage? These friends didn’t wait passively—they saw the Messiah and moved decisively.

The Parable of the Sower in Luke 8 echoes this: good soil bears fruit because it receives the word—the living Word, Jesus. Others lose interest on the path, fall away on rocky ground, or let faith die among thorns. But the good soil holds fast with an honest heart, bearing fruit through patience (Luke 8:15; cf. John 15:2, where branches that stop bearing fruit are cut off). Scripture reinforces this: “The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him” (2 Chron. 16:9). Scripture reinforces this: “The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him” (2 Chron. 16:9). Their faith wasn’t just predetermined; it was actively offered, enduring, persevering—and Jesus affirmed it.

What about us? Does our faith break through roofs—boldly trusting Jesus no matter the obstacle? Let’s reflect on that and share our thoughts below.

Sola Scriptura! Sola Fide! Sola Christus!