Forgiveness and Healing

1Jesus stepped into a boat, crossed over and came to his own town. 2Some men brought to him a paralyzed man, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.”

3At this, some of the teachers of the law said to themselves, “This fellow is blaspheming!”

4Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, “Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts?5Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? 6But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the paralyzed man, “Get up, take your mat and go home.” 7Then the man got up and went home. 8When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe; and they praised God, who had given such authority to man.  (Matthew 9:1-8)

Thoughts: The main point of this passage is to show that Jesus can forgive sins- which is a divine thing to do.  But there are some important secondary things here too.
      The sick man was brought to Jesus by four individuals.  We are to be carriers of the cot.  We are called to bring people to the One who can help them far more than we can.  He is the One who can forgive sins and also heal us- in this life or the next.  

This also tells us of the authority of Jesus.  How do we know he forgives?  He enables a man to walk as a sign of his forgiveness.  Many are weighed down with sickness because we are unable to get over our past and our guilt.  Jesus knew and proclaimed inner healing that showed itself in physical exterior healing.  By His wounds that give forgiveness we are healed.
      Even today, Jesus still brings healing and hope through forgiveness.  Though our sins are as scarlet, in Him they shall be as white as snow.  

In the end, this proclamation of healing and forgiveness brings praise to God.  

Prayer: Lord, heal me, help me and make me whole.