David Bahn – Reflections

Matthew 9:1-8

¹And 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.” ³And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” ⁴But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? ⁵For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? ⁶But 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.” ⁷And he rose and went home. ⁸When the crowds saw it, they were afraid, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to men.

Jesus’ ministry was much given to availing himself to the every moment opportunities presented to him day by day. He goes to his own city and encounters a paralytic. Seeing the greatest need, he says, “Your sins are forgiven.” Never, however, is a story of healing – or of forgiveness for that matter – so simple. The scribes are watching and are offended that Jesus presumes to forgive sins. That was God’s prerogative alone. Jesus’ answer confounds, amazes, and strikes fear in the peoples’ hearts. He claims not only to be able to forgive sins, but shows that authority by healing the paralyzed man.

What categories and neat packages do you have God tied into? What can he do when he acts? Where does his realm end? What authority does he have in your life? If we are honest we will admit that we are like the scribes who question whether or not Jesus can forgive sins. Perhaps we think Jesus can forgive only certain kinds of sins. Maybe we relegate him to religious matters. We might possibly cordon off part of our lives as though Jesus does not belong there.

We would be sadly mistaken if we did that. We would miss out on Jesus fuller work in our lives and in the world. We would neglect a greater blessing. Jesus’ ministry was a “ministry while walking about” (MWWA). Wherever he went he brought grace and truth. Is there something you think he cannot do in your life? Perhaps that is just where his grace and truth is most needed.