The term “one-hit wonder” is most commonly used to designate musicians who had only one popular song. For example, one list of “The Greatest One-Hit Wonders of All Time” ranks the 1996 Los del Rios’ song, “Macarena,” at number one.
For purposes of this series, a “one-hit wonder” is a Bible character who is mentioned once, sometimes not even by name. Some of these characters play critical parts in important events, and some just give us an interesting glimpse into their world.
Because little is known about these minor characters, it is necessary to give them personalities that would be reasonable for the situation, then concentrate the episode of the Eyewitness Bible Series around events portrayed in the Bible.
As we often caution, we are not trying to add to what the Bible says; we are simply trying to add context that will help you understand the Bible better. We invite you to read the applicable Scriptures for these stories so you will know exactly what the Bible says.
Just as some one-hit wonder songs are a bit whimsical. Perhaps you will find some of these stories to be the same way. I hope you enjoy them, and learn some unexpected things.
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Luke precedes this story by saying the news of Jesus healing people had spread widely, so crowds came to hear him preach and be healed of their sicknesses. He continues by saying Jesus was teaching while the Pharisees and teachers were sitting there. They had come from all over Israel. They likely had come to see if the rumors of his healing power were true, and if he was following the rules of the Pharisees. This was early in Jesus’s ministry and he had not yet criticized the Pharisees or made enemies of them.
Somehow, the religious leaders, some of the crowd, and Jesus are in a house. The crowd outside is large. A paralyzed man is brought on a mat by his friends to get healed. When they can’t get through the crowd, they turn to their imaginations. They climb on the roof, remove some tiles, and lower the man through the hole in the roof until he lands in front of Jesus.
It must have caused quite a stir, and you can imagine Jesus smiling at their ingenuity and perseverance. He says, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.” Immediately the religious leaders conclude that Jesus is blaspheming since they believe only God can forgive sins.
