We can learn a lot, if we take the time to sit with the Lord and invite the Spirit to speak to us, individually and as a church, about all the different implications and applications of this passage.
People would often consider illnesses and disabilities a result of sins. But by forgiving the man’s sins first, Jesus was healing his soul before healing his body. The scribes were the first ones to doubt. So, Jesus not only revealed to them that He knew what was in their hearts, he continued to heal the man physically (something nobody questioned). Our society loves to explain everything through clear scientific evidence, so I assume some of us would have a much harder time accepting a physical miracle.
Many people today wouldn’t think much about his ability to forgive sins, but would definitely question his ability to make the man walk again without any medical intervention. Nowadays, we are in so much need of explanation, that we have left no room for mystery.
We are grateful for all the wonderful medical and technological advances we have achieved, but we don’t want to put God in a box. We don’t want to limit what He’s capable of doing because things might not look the way we want. The scribes had a very limited view of God based on the Law. We have received the Spirit.
Let us be open and invite God to move in our midst without limitations. Let us receive His forgiveness, love, and acceptance in such a way that moves us to extend it to others.
Sometimes we mistake, or dare I say, doubt his forgiveness, thinking we need to repay Him with behavioral modification – niceness. Let’s not forget; He sees our hearts. It is unbelief and being closed off to the move of the Spirit that hinders Life.
Remember, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to HIM”. He not only wants to share it with us, but He IS with us always. Let us forgive and love others in the power of the Holy Spirit for the glory of God.
Blessing and peace,
Dr. Christiane and Rev. Todd
