Central Truth

Jesus taught us of God's love through His words and teachings, and then demonstrated His divine authority by His healings.

Reflections

In Chapter 8 of Matthew, we learn that Jesus has ‘authority' to make clean that which was unclean (8:1-4), ‘authority' over sickness (8:5-13), ‘authority' over creation (8:23-27), and He has authority over the spiritual (8:28-34). In Chapter 9, we further learn that Jesus has the divine authority to heal.

The accounts of Mark (2:1-12) and Luke (5:17-26) serve to greatly enrich the significance of this chapter of Matthew by explaining that, as often happened with Jesus' arrival, a large crowd gathered to hear Him speak. The friends of a paralyzed man sought to have the man healed. They made an opening in the roof of a house and lowered him into a large crowd directly in front of Jesus. Upon seeing him, Jesus said, 'Be encouraged my child! Your sins are forgiven.' (Verse 2) Jesus immediately sensed the disapproval of some in the crowd over the idea that He has the authority to heal and forgive, so He confronted them and restated His words of forgiveness and healing to the paralyzed man.

So who had faith? Perhaps the paralyzed man believed, but the acts of his friends clearly demonstrated their belief that Jesus could and would heal the man. Jesus acknowledged that their faith alone was strong enough to bring healing to their friend. That the paralyzed man arose, gathered his mat, and went home, served as evidence of Jesus' divine authority to heal.

From what was the man healed? Jesus acknowledged to him that his sins were forgiven and this served as a message to the crowd that the man was paralyzed by his sins. The true power of Jesus was manifested in His demonstration of His authority over sin as well as healing.

Discussion Questions

1. Have you fully acknowledged the authority Jesus has over sin in your life?

2. What stands between you and a deeper relationship with God?

3. What ‘paralysis' or guilt prevents you from experiencing a richer Christian walk?