Faith in Action: Becoming a Bridge to Jesus

Recently there have been two passages that have been on my heart. Both point to the exciting invitation we each have to be a bridge for someone to encounter Jesus.

Building a Bridge Through Faith: The Four Friends in Mark 2

The Starting Point: Jesus Preaching to a Large Crowd

In Mark chapter 2, Jesus was preaching in someone’s house to a large crowd. The house was so crowded that a man who was paralyzed and his four friends couldn’t get in.

Overcoming Obstacles: The Friends’ Determination to Build a Bridge

But that didn’t stop their dedication. They weren’t going to settle for defeat from this obstacle. They decided to lower the man through the roof.

Mark 2:1-5 - The Faith That Built a Bridge

And again He entered Capernaum after some days, and it was heard that He was in the house. (Mark 2:1)

Immediately many gathered together, so that there was no longer room to receive them, not even near the door. And He preached the word to them. (Mark 2:2)

Then they came to Him, bringing a paralytic who was carried by four men. (Mark 2:3)

And when they could not come near Him because of the crowd, they uncovered the roof where He was. So when they had broken through, they let down the bed on which the paralytic was lying. (Mark 2:4)

When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.” (Mark 2:5)

Highlighting Their Faith: Jesus’ Response to the Bridge Built by Friends

The key verse I want to highlight is verse 5. When Jesus saw the faith of the man’s friends, He gave the man a miracle! But that’s not all.

Addressing Controversy: The Bridge to Jesus’ Authority

There was a controversy going on between Jesus and the religious leaders who questioned Jesus’ authority to do these things. These Pharisees were always accusing Jesus and trying to trap Him in His words.

Demonstrating Authority: The Miracle’s Impact as a Bridge

Jesus used this man’s miracle as a demonstration to everyone of His authority from the Father to not only heal but forgive sins as well.

Mark 2:10-12 - The Authority of Jesus as a Bridge to Salvation

Mark 2:10-12 says,

But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—He said to the paralytic, (Mark 2:10)

“I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.”  (Mark 2:11)

Immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went out in the presence of them all, so that all were amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!” (Mark 2:12)

This man became a testimony not only of Jesus’ power, but of His authority as well. His miracle was a rebuke to the devil who was using the Pharisees to accuse and undermine Christ’s identity and authority from God the Father.

Encouragement to Be Relentless: Building Bridges to Jesus for Others

All this comes back to the faith of the four friends who wouldn’t take “no” for an answer. They were determined to break through every obstacle in order to bring their friend to Jesus.

Imagine if the friends became so discouraged by the crowd that they didn’t bother to invent an alternative solution to bring the man before Jesus.

They chose to be a bridge to the man’s miracle and his testimony of the validity of Jesus’ authority to save and heal.

Building a Bridge Through Testimony: The Samaritan Woman in John 4

Breaking Cultural Norms: Jesus Builds a Bridge to the Samaritan Woman

In John chapter 4, Jesus broke cultural norms by going out of His way to meet a Samaritan woman (often called “the woman at the well”).

Revealing the Messiah: The Woman Becomes a Bridge to Her City

He revealed Himself to her as the Messiah, and then she immediately testified to her city. She didn’t keep her encounter with Jesus to herself.

John 4:28-29 - The Woman’s Zeal in Building a Bridge

John 4:28-29 says,

The woman then left her waterpot, went her way into the city, and said to the men, (John 4:28)

“Come, see a Man who told me all things that I ever did. Could this be the Christ?”  (John 4:29)

Boldness in Testimony: The Woman as a Bridge Over Societal Shame

She didn’t hide anymore. She didn’t stay in the place of shame society had placed upon her because of her past, ethnicity or gender. Instead, she defied the odds by boldly sharing her encounter with Jesus with her entire city!

The Result: A City Comes to Jesus Through the Bridge of Testimony

The woman’s testimony was the first step to bringing the entire city to Jesus. Her words were the preparation for the multiplication of salvation which can only be achieved through Jesus’ grace.

John 4:39-41 - The Impact of Her Testimony as a Bridge to Faith

John 4:39-41 says,

And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, “He told me all that I ever did.” (John 4:39)

So when the Samaritans had come to Him, they urged Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days. (John 4:40)

And many more believed because of His own word. (John 4:41)

Preparing the Way: The Power of Personal Testimony as a Bridge

Consider this: Jesus could’ve immediately gone directly into the city Himself, but He let the woman’s testimony prepare the way. He waited until He was welcome. Her testimony stirred a hunger within the people to invite Jesus to stay with them. Jesus responded to their desire for Him by staying there for two days. His presence caused a harvest of salvation through the increase that only His grace could bring.

You too can be a bridge to Jesus! Let these stories inspire you to bring others to Jesus through your prayers, encouragement, evangelism and any way you can.