In this lesson from Matthew 9, we read the story of how Jesus heals a paralyzed man. But there’s so much more to it than just the miracle. It’s a powerful moment that shows not only Jesus’ ability to heal physically, but also His power to forgive sins. So, this event really caught the religious leaders off guard.
As we read this passage, it’s more than just about a man walking again. It’s a reminder that Jesus knows our hearts, our struggles, and offers the ultimate healing we all need—spiritual healing through forgiveness.
Sick in Body and in Spirit – Jesus Heals the Paralyzed Man
Getting into a boat, Jesus crossed over the sea and came to His own city.
And they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed.
Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralytic, “Take courage, son; your sins are forgiven.”
And some of the scribes said to themselves, “This fellow blasphemes.”
And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, “Why are you thinking evil in your hearts?
“Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, and walk’?
“But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”–then He said to the paralytic, “Get up, pick up your bed and go home.”
And he got up and went home.
But when the crowds saw this, they were awestruck, and glorified God, who had given such authority to men. – Matthew 9:1-8 NASB
Jesus Heals the Soul and Reveals Who God Is
When the paralyzed man is brought to Jesus, the first thing Jesus says isn’t “Get up and walk,” but “Your sins are forgiven.” This shocks everyone, especially the religious leaders who were silently judging the whole situation.
What’s interesting here is that Jesus knows their thoughts. He sees right through their doubts and challenges them, showing that He has authority not only over the body but also over the soul.
This moment reveals a deeper truth: Jesus cares about more than just our physical well-being. He’s most concerned with our hearts, our spiritual health. As Matthew states, Jesus had the power to do both! This amazed the people watching but it also revealed who Christ really was — God in flesh!
Revelation
The Pharisees had no idea who Jesus really was. With the single statement in verse two, “Your sins are forgiven.“ Christ revealed Himself to them. The scribes only saw blasphemy in the words. It’s sad, but they would never understand that Jesus came to save them from sin as well. Sometimes we miss that mark too.
The Pharisees could not grasp the concept of grace. The scribes and Pharisees missed out on peace and joy by not recognizing Jesus’ message of salvation and grace. As Christians, we also struggle with this. We need to remember that we are saved by grace, not by being “good“.
Physical Ailments And Needs VS. Forgiveness And Eternal Life
Not knowing Christ is a more daunting disease than physical sickness because it concerns our souls; our salvation for eternity. As Christians, we pray for those around us.
Pray for More than Healing
I pray almost daily for people I know, or those lifted up at church each week who are sick, or getting ready for a surgical procedure. And now, with the downturn in the economy, those who have lost jobs or are facing layoffs in their industry or profession need prayer too.
These are real concerns, and I believe we should pray for them all. But I also encourage you to pray for God to help those with spiritual needs.
God does hear and answer prayers (although He may not always answer in the way, nor in the time frame we would like). So, pray for physical and spiritual health. We need both.
What About Those Who Are Lost In Spirit?
When we pray, let’s think of those who are “sick in spirit” and do not know Jesus –or maybe drifted away.
God hears our prayers. He can do his work in the hearts of those we lift up. Miracles do happen if we will only call the name of a lost person in our prayer. He can do the rest. Patience and persistence are difficult, but worth it.
Love in Christ
– Bob
If you have never made a decision to receive the love and life-changing experience of Jesus Christ, please take a moment to read John 3:16 for info.