The Table of Faith: How the Faith of Others Invites Breakthrough
We believe – as the early church did – that true spiritual formation happens best around the temple and the table. In our “The Table” sermon series, we’re exploring how faith isn’t just a private posture but a communal fire stoked by the presence of God, the power of relationships, and the call to act. In this message, we’ll see how sometimes your faith alone isn’t enough – but the faith of others can carry you closer to Jesus.
Last week, Pastor Tim Gavigan preached an unforgettable word: “Expectations is the breeding ground for miracles.” He challenged us to expect God to use us for His glory – right here, right now. May that same expectancy fuel what we talk about today.
When Hair Color Doesn’t Teach You Much – But Faith Does
Let me start with something lighter – I recently tried a new hairstyle (and color). In hindsight… it was not my best look. Bangs, a mullet, cropped red in high school? Yes, in the annals of bad ideas. The humiliation still stings.
Why tell you that? Because it illustrates something: faith shows up in all kinds of places – some trivial (your hair), some eternal (salvation, healing, relationships). We laugh at our past fashion blunders, but when it comes to the deeper needs of life – faith gets serious.
We all have faith – for small things, big things, seen and unseen things. But how do we exercise faith for what truly matters? And what if we can’t muster the faith ourselves? That’s where others come in.
The Story That Cuts Deep: Mark 2:1 – 12
Let’s dive in: Mark 2:1 – 12 tells the story of a paralytic man, four courageous friends, and an inconvenient roof.
“Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus … and lowered the mat the man was lying on.”
In the midst of a packed house and a skeptical religious establishment, these four friends weren’t deterred. They dug through barriers. They took risks. They pressed on.
When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic,
“Son, your sins are forgiven.”
Then, to silence critics, He healed the man: “Get up, take your mat, and go home.”
Key Themes in the Passage
Jesus at the Center
The house was overflowing because Jesus was home. When Jesus is central, community gathers.Faith Has Hands and Feet
The friends didn’t just believe – they acted. Their faith was visible.Community Matters
The paralytic could not get to Jesus on his own. He needed someone to carry him, to intercede, to press through.Jesus Sees Your Faith
Notice: It was their faith that Jesus “saw” – and because of it, the man received forgiveness and healing.Forgiveness Precedes Healing
Before the physical healing, Jesus addresses the deeper need: sin. This reminds us that the soul matters.
Why Community & Others’ Faith Matter
1. We Battle a Culture of Radical Individualism
Our world teaches self-sufficiency: “You do you; I’ll do me.” But this mindset is antithetical to the gospel. Scripture assumes community. From Moses to Paul, God works in a people.
2. Faith Gets Weak or Stuck
Sometimes, we might not have enough faith for ourselves. We’re weathered by disappointment, doubt, or deep pain. That’s when someone else’s faith can lift us.
3. Love Doesn’t Leave Others Behind
True (agape) love pursues the broken, leans into discomfort, and perseveres. These four men didn’t see the barrier – they saw the friend.
4. Community Expands Our Reach
You may not personally carry every burden, but together we can bear burdens. (Galatians 6:2) When faith is shared, it’s multiplied.
What It Looks Like to Be “Desperate Enough”
The four men didn’t take a conference call or send an email – they climbed the roof and dug through. Their faith was desperate.
They were determined.
They were sacrificial.
They didn’t give up when the room seemed impossible to enter.
They believed God could make a way.
Ask yourself: How desperate am I for my friends or neighbors to meet Jesus?
Desperation often births boldness. It frees us from fear of what others will think. It empowers risk in the name of love and breakthrough.
The Invitation: Let Your Faith Be Seen
Jesus isn’t impressed by hidden faith – He sees what is acted upon. “Faith without works is dead.” (James 2:26)
Maybe your faith looks small – a text, a prayer, a coffee invite. Yet to another person, that could be everything.
Who in your life needs your faith this week?
Who needs someone to show up, to carry, to believe for them?
What ordinary step could you take (a call, an invite, a prayer) that could shift someone’s trajectory?
What This Means for You
You don’t have to walk alone. Let others carry you sometimes.
Live with eyes open for needs. Maybe someone is struggling in silence – invite them to your table.
Trust small faith steps. Even mustard-seed faith, when activated, moves heaven’s heart.
Be bold. The Lord delights when our faith stretches beyond comfort zones.
Continue the Journey
Will you ask God to fill you with boldness and faith to be a conduit for others’ breakthroughs?
Who in your life needs your “roadside assistance” faith this week?
Consider inviting someone to coffee, to walk, or to your home – create a table for connection.
After the service, the prayer team will be here – if you want to receive prayer, come forward.
May your faith be so alive that Jesus is amazed by it – and through it, others are carried to His feet.