January 18, 2022 — “An Arm and a Leg” (Luke 5:17-26)

“One day, while he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting near by (they had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem); and the power of the Lord was with him to healJust then some men came, carrying a paralyzed man on a bed. They were trying to bring him in and lay him before Jesus;but finding no way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the middle of the crowd in front of Jesus. When he saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven you.” Then the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, “Who is this who is speaking blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” When Jesus perceived their questionings, he answered them, “Why do you raise such questions in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and walk’? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the one who was paralyzed—“I say to you, stand up and take your bed and go to your home.” Immediately he stood up before them, took what he had been lying on, and went to his home, glorifying God. Amazement seized all of them, and they glorified God and were filled with awe, saying, “We have seen strange things today.” Luke 5:17-26

“An Arm and a Leg”

“That’s going to cost you an arm and a leg!” is a common phrase that means simply that some item or service is going to cost to the point of real sacrifice. In other words, buying this item is going to hurt – the price is high. Now, where did such a phrase come into existence?

If we step back in time to George Washington’s day, we realize of course that there were no cameras. For a portrait to be produced, it had to be painted or sculpted. If you notice old pictures, you will notice something interesting. Many of the paintings consist of just a person’s face. At other times, a person is portrayed with one arm behind their back or both arms may be visible. Interestingly enough, portraits were not charged by the number of people who appeared in the picture, but rather by the number of limbs that were painted. In other words, if they wanted a cheaper painting, then it would “cost them an arm and a leg.” Artists knew it took more time and effort to paint such a portrait, since arms, hands and legs were more difficult to paint.

I remember watching my brother-in-law practice drawing hands, and fingers, and arms. It truly takes an artist’s perspective, time and patience to get such features just right. He would draw, and draw hands in different poses, different positions – fists, fingers, bent and extended poses of the hand. I think people who can draw in such a way, who can see with such perspective is truly G-d inspired.

The efforts of the friends of this man who is paralyzed and lying on a bed – the lengths that they go to see that he can see Jesus is truly miraculous. After trying and trying to get close to Jesus, they take a different route – they come from above – right through the roof.

To what lengths will you go to get in touch with G-d? How difficult has it been to see Jesus working in your midst every day? Perhaps you need a new perspective – perhaps you need to try a different route. Persistence and practice will pay off – for our relationship with G-d grows stronger the more we put it to use.

Let us pray,

Lord Jesus, we know that our new life and eternal life not only cost you an arm and a leg, it cost your very life. Help us to value your death, so that we can live into new life in you. Amen.

Pastor Dave