Back to the Bible: Matthew 9:1-8

Jesus came back to Capernaum. A group brought a paralyzed man on a bed to Jesus. He saw their faith and first said, "Your sins are forgiven." The religious leaders questioned His right to say something like that.

Jesus knew what they were thinking. He asked if it would be easier to proclaim forgiveness or to tell someone to stand up and walk. He could just say sins were forgiven. No one would be able to see if it happened. But, if He told Him to walk, the power of His word would be evident quickly.

So, Jesus told Him to walk so that they would see that He did, in fact, have the authority to forgive. The man got up and went home.

The crowds were scared and gave God the glory because they saw Jesus possessing such great power.

Lessons to Learn:
The miracles were signs pointing to something bigger. The signs were not the point. What they were pointing to was. The miracles served to testify that Jesus did have authority and that He could indeed forgive sins. When we look at Jesus' miracles, we should reflect on what they show about His identity and His purpose.

Jesus' words of forgiveness show us who He is. This miracle indicated that Jesus was not blaspheming when He forgave sins. Such a declaration of forgiveness was something only God could do. Jesus' authority was not just over nature, disease, or demons. He also has the authority to forgive. If we value His authority to forgive our sins, we should also submit to His authority to guide our lives.

See Jesus' focus on forgiveness here. I wonder how the ones who carried this man reacted when Jesus forgave the paralytic of his sins. Did they say, "That's not why we brought him here?" Was the paralytic disappointed to hear that? Couldn't Jesus see his real problem. But, Jesus shows us what really matters. Walking was a great gift. But, its value would run out, if not because of age, certainly because of death. But, the value of forgiveness would never cease. That man, now dead for 2,000 years, still cherishes his forgiveness! We must make sure our focus, as individuals and local churches, is on addressing the sin problem. If we address health concerns and social issues, but don't call people to repent and find forgiveness in Christ, we're just rearranging the furniture in a burning house. And, while physical health is a blessing, let's make sure our soul prospers. We can be sick and be right with the Lord. We can be healthy and outside of Christ. Let's consider that as we pray.

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