That You May Know - Pt 11

And getting into a boat he crossed over and came to his own city. And behold, some people brought to him a paralytic, lying on a bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.” And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he then said to the paralytic—“Rise, pick up your bed and go home.” And he rose and went home. When the crowds saw it, they were afraid, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to men. (Matthew 9:1-8 ESV).

This is perhaps the most preached of all Jesus’ healing miracles. The story of how the four faithful friends brought the man to Jesus, going as far as to tear the roof off to get him to Jesus, is inspiring. However, we must not miss the message of Jesus in view of the great work of the friends. Remember, this man could not walk; he could not approach Jesus on his own. So, the friends brought him into Jesus’ presence. They carried him. They did this in order that he might be healed, restored, brought back to fullness. The paralytic man contributed nothing to his healing; but neither did the friends of the paralytic. It happened because of the work of Christ. Of course I am not discounting the enormous contribution of these men in the bringing of their friend to Jesus. Their commitment to do whatever it took to get their friend to Jesus is an inspiration to us today. It does help us to better understand the role of the inviting and welcoming church. We might even entertain a better understanding of those who bring infants to the waters of baptism. Babies cannot come by their own strength. The unchurched and non-believing persons shrug off the notion of worship and prayer. Such are those, infants and unbelievers, they are the ones who depend upon the faith of others in order that their sins may be forgiven. However, we must realize it is through the faith of others, that they encounter the One who overcomes sin through the power of his healing grace. Sharing faith is central to living a Christian life, for it is through the faith of others that we first came to the life of freedom from shame and guilt. Through the faith of others, we encountered Christ who has forgiven our sins. Through faith, we too bring people to Christ, where sin is defeated and life is restored. Jesus has that kind of power. Won’t you trust him for that freedom today!