From Pastor Perry

Matthew 9:1–8 (ESV)

Jesus Heals a Paralytic

9 And getting into a boat he crossed over and came to his own city. ² And behold, some people brought to him a paralytic, lying on a bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.” ³ And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” ⁴ But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? ⁵ For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? ⁶ But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he then said to the paralytic—“Rise, pick up your bed and go home.” ⁷ And he rose and went home. ⁸ When the crowds saw it, they were afraid, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to men.

This parable involves a paralytic.  He is brought to Jesus on a bed.  Jesus first forgives his sins which ticks off the scribes.  What Jesus is doing is showing them that if he has the power to forgives sins, then he also has to power to heal the paralytic.  They are angry at Jesus, but he goes ahead and heals the paralytic.  This blows everyone away… because the paralytic gets up and walks away.  He is not a paralytic anymore.  What was the response of the people?  “⁸ When the crowds saw it, they were afraid, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to men.” 

I pray: O Lord, I don’t need miracles and healings to glorify your name.  Your love for me and everything you did for me on the cross is all I need.  Amen.