The Kind of Friend Who Tears Off a Roof: A Reflection on Mark 2:1–12

Friendship isn’t always easy—but it is always worth it. One of the most powerful examples of biblical friendship comes from the story in Mark 2:1–12, where a group of friends does the unthinkable for the sake of one of their own.

The Story that Inspires

In Mark 2, we read about a paralyzed man whose friends were so determined to see him healed that they lowered him through a roof just to get to Jesus. That’s right—they tore the roof off the place.

Why? Because they believed Jesus could heal him. And it was their faith that caught Jesus’ attention.

Persistent Friendship

These weren’t casual acquaintances. They didn’t:

Test other options
Search for lesser healers
Wait for the crowd to clear

No—they strained under the weight of their friend and pressed forward. Their love wasn’t passive. It was persistent.

We All Need This Kind of Community

The paralyzed man didn’t need polite friends.
He needed persistent ones.

And we do, too. Because life gets heavy. And sometimes, the only way to the feet of Jesus is through the hands of those who are willing to carry us there.

Friendship Is Worth the Risk

Maybe new friendships feel scary. Maybe you’ve been wounded or you’re struggling with guilt over not being the friend you wanted to be.

Friend, it’s still worth it to try again. You’re not meant to do life alone.

Let’s Be the Roof-Tearers

Let’s be the ones who lead and lower our friends to Jesus—again and again.
Not with perfection, but with persistence.
Not with performance, but with love.