Jesus' authority to forgive and heal
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
Spiritual healing before physical healing in this passage stands out. And not just spiritual healing for the paralytic, but healing for many... "Jesus saw their faith..."
When we come to Jesus with a friend or relative in prayer, we come in the faith that Jesus can heal not only physically but more so spiritually. For in the spiritual healing comes physical healing. Healing even to an extant that we may not understand as we exist in our physical world. We trust in the healing and look to that day when all will gather together in praise and thanksgiving to our God for the life we have been granted through and in others, in ourselves, and with our Savior Jesus.
Spiritual healing and physical healing and glorified bodies gathered together in that great Communion of life. Thanks be to God!
Prayer
Lord, as I come to you with friends and family in need of healing, I recall the event of the paralytic and those bringing him to you who were healed spiritually. Teach me that faith that leads me to look beyond the legalistic life to your awesome power and grace for all people. --- Amen
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