Matthew 9:2-8 (NRSV)
Forgiveness and healing
And just then some people were carrying a paralyzed man lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven." Then some of the scribes said to themselves, "This man is blaspheming." But Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, said, "Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Stand up and walk'? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins" - he then said to the paralytic - "Stand up, take your bed and go to your home." And he stood up and went to his home. When the crowds saw it, they were filled with awe, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to human beings.
Reflection
Forgiveness and healing
And just then some people were carrying a paralyzed man lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven." Then some of the scribes said to themselves, "This man is blaspheming." But Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, said, "Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Stand up and walk'? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins" - he then said to the paralytic - "Stand up, take your bed and go to your home." And he stood up and went to his home. When the crowds saw it, they were filled with awe, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to human beings.
Reflection
At first Jesus looks to the priority in the paralyzed man's life, his sin. Jesus does the greatest healing first. Jesus tells this man that his sins are forgiven. Jesus sees that he is a sinner. Jesus sees that this man needs forgiveness.
Our physical situation is not the priority in life. Our spiritual situation is. Sure, they both work together at some point, but our sin and the forgiveness of this sin is more important in life than our ability to sustain our physical well being. So Jesus forgives our sin as well. And to make a point, every now and then, Jesus may heal our physical needs also. But the priority will always lay in a new life. A new life, with sin forgiven, that permits you and I to serve God as both sinner and saint boldly in God's Kingdom day after day.
We must stand in awe of a God that heals and saves us from sin, death and the devil. We must, like the paralytic, take up our mats and go, in the name of Jesus. Go home, to our place in this Kingdom, to our life in this place and proclaim the glory of Jesus name. For Jesus has taken care of our well being beyond this body of ours and into the eternal life of your soul and mine. Thanks be to God!
Prayer
Lord, I give you thanks for the healing power you bestow on me and others. I give you thanks for the saving grace you have given for all of us. Send me this day, to "go" --- with all you have given, to serve you boldly now and forever. --- Amen
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