At that time, Jesus entered Capernaum and it was reported that he was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room for them, not even about the door; and he was preaching the word to them. And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and when they had made an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "My son, your sins are forgiven." Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, "Why does this man speak thus? It is a blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, "Why do you question thus in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise, take up your pallet and walk? But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins"-he said to the paralytic-"I say to you, rise, take up your pallet and go home." And he rose, and immediately took up the pallet and went out before them all; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, "We never saw anything like this!
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| And even though one piece of candy is enough....: ) photo by flickr user, mia3mom, used under the creative commons license. check out more photos at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mia3mom/ |
Jesus was bringing the Word of His Father to the people and the people, enthralled by His words, gathered around- so many came that the small house was crowded with people and there was no way that someone in the back of the room could get to the front because of the press of the people. How were these friends to help their crippled friend? In desperation, they cut a whole in the roof and lowered him down so that He Who could heal, would heal him. But Jesus, seeing the faith of his friends, said to the paralyzed man, "Your sins are forgiven" and then commanded him to walk. He did and the people were amazed!
And so am I! Look at the compassion of Jesus. He is so willing to be gracious that He doesn't even require faith from the paralyzed man. The faith of his friends are enough! And see how Jesus did more than they asked. Surely, the friends' intent was for their friend to walk again. And he did! But, see how Jesus declares his sins to be forgiven as well! Jesus is like the Father in the parable of the prodigal son- He races to receive his returning son who is walking down the road and leaves a party of rejoicing to win back the heart of His older son. At the slightest movement of faith from anyone, will be enough to prompt Christ to lavish His Grace on us!
O Lord, this day let me live in Your abundant Grace! You,who are so quick to bless and so ready to forgive, dwell in my heart and let me mirror Your Grace to those I come into contact today. Amen.
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