Luke 5 Series: Stand In The Gap (Daily Devotional)

Scripture Reference: Luke 5:18-20

Thought for the Day: In Luke 5, these four unnamed friends embody relentless faith and sacrificial love. They weren’t deterred by barriers—physical, social, or otherwise. They saw their friend’s need and believed Jesus was the answer. Tear through the barriers. Bring the broken to Jesus.

The southern gospel group, The Ball Brothers, sing a powerful question in their song:“Who’s gonna stand in the gap and tell the world about Jesus?”

One stanza of their lyrics paints the picture of a world chasing fame and distraction, unaware of the destruction ahead:

Now there are many people I know headed for destructionThey seem so unconcerned along their wayThey think that life's a game, they're only seeking fameTell me who's gonna stand in the gap for my Lord? Who's gonna stand in the gap and tell the world about Jesus?[1]

In Luke 5:17-26, we see four men who stood in the gap. Faced with a friend’s hopeless condition, they didn’t stop at compassion. Their faith propelled them into action. They carried their paralyzed friend—possibly for miles. When blocked by the crowd, it did not diminish their resolve. They climbed onto the roof, removed tiles, and lowered their friend directly into Jesus’ presence. They were determined. They understood something we often forget: people need Jesus more than anything else.

Are we willing to do the same?

How often does convenience stop us from reaching out? How frequently does fear or comfort silence us?  We cannot become like the Pharisees in that crowded house—content with our front-row seat to Jesus, while ignoring the broken people unable to push through. One lesson here is to avoid becoming calloused to others' needs, because we rest securely in Christ’s salvation.

These men stand as a biblical example of active faith—serving and sacrificing to bring those in need of healing and forgiveness to Jesus. Their determination models our calling: to carry others to Christ. This is the heart of the gospel.

In Luke 5, these four unnamed friends embody relentless faith and sacrificial love. They weren’t deterred by barriers—physical, social, or otherwise. They saw their friend’s need and believed Jesus was the answer.

Tear through the barriers… Love those who are suffering… Bring the broken to Jesus!

Closing Thought: Four friends tore through a roof to bring one broken soul to Jesus. What are you willing to do?

Reflection Questions:

• Who in your life is “on a stretcher,” needing to be carried to Jesus?

• Have you been standing at the door, watching, instead of making a way for others?

• What comfort, habit, or fear might be keeping you from standing in the gap?

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Journaling Questions:

• Name someone you feel God is asking you to help carry toward Him. What small step can you take this week?

• Write about a time when someone “stood in the gap” for you. How did that impact your faith?

• What spiritual roof might you need to break through (fear, busyness, pride) to reach someone for Jesus?

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Prayer: Lord, help me see the broken around me. Give me the courage to carry them to You, no matter the effort, no matter the cost. Keep my heart tender, my hands ready, and my faith active. May I never settle for standing comfortably in Your presence while others are blocked from reaching You. Use me to stand in the gap. Amen.

[1] Bob Hartman, Words and Music for “Whose Gonna To Stand in The Gap?”