This morning Mark tells us about the healing of a paralyzed man. This episode goes to the heart of Jesus' approach to the needs of people. Throughout the Gospels we see his concern for the physical dimensions of life and for human suffering. "He had compassion on them" is a common phrase describing his response to the people with whom he came in contact. 

However, this morning's event leaves no question that Jesus' primary concern was the spiritual needs of people. Not that their physical needs were unimportant. It was a matter of which came first. What good was it to heal this man's legs if he did not know where he should walk or why he should walk there? 

Imagine that you were one of those who brought that man to Jesus. Picture the hope that you came with for the healing you wanted f…