The Role of Community in Health– Biblical Perspective 11 unread reply.11 reply. Read the following Scripture passage Mark 2:1–5: 1After a few days, Jesus went back to Capernaum, and people heard that he was at home. 2 So many gathered that there was no longer space, not even near the door. Jesus was speaking the word to them. 3 Some people arrived, and four of them were bringing to him a man who was paralyzed. 4 They couldn’t carry him through the crowd, so they tore off part of the roof above where Jesus was. When they had made an opening, they lowered the mat on which the paralyzed man was lying. 5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Child, your sins are forgiven!” Respond: Why do you think a lot of people were attracted to Jesus? “Jesus was speaking the word to them.” What is the relationship between “the word” and the subsequent healing that took place? Do you think there is still a relationship between “the word” and healing in health care (various branches of health care) today? Loma Linda’s mission is “to continue the teaching and healing ministry of Jesus Christ,” what is the relationship between teaching and healing? The role of the four friends. Why does everyone need “four friends” in relation to health and wholeness? Explain your answer. The four friends couldn’t carry their paralyzed friend through the crowd. In this narrative the crowd was an obstacle/barrier. What are some present or potential obstacles/barriers to health today? “So they tore off part of the roof above where Jesus was. When they had made an opening, they lowered the mat on which the paralyzed man was lying.” These four friends concocted a creative solution, yet their solution was also disruptive. In what ways do communities have to be both creative and disruptive in their health advocacy? “When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic…” This narrative suggests that Jesus performed the healing not necessarily on the request of the paralyzed individual, but because of the actions of his community (his four friends). Explain why you agree/disagree with the following statement– Communities can impact health (health status, health outcomes etc.) in ways that individuals cannot. How will you leverage the power of community in your particular vocation? Give examples and explain. N.B. Each course participant must respond to a course colleagues’ post.
