Matthew 9
Jesus Heals a Paralyzed Man
Jesus climbed into a boat and went back across the lake to his own town. 2 Some people brought to him a paralyzed man on a mat. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “Be encouraged, my child! Your sins are forgiven.”3 But some of the teachers of religious law said to themselves, “That’s blasphemy! Does he think he’s God?”
4 Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he asked them, “Why do you have such evil thoughts in your hearts? 5 Is it easier to say ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Stand up and walk’? 6 So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!”
7 And the man jumped up and went home! 8 Fear swept through the crowd as they saw this happen. And they praised God for giving humans such authority.
WHEN GOD ACTS, ARE WE SURPRISED?
This miraculous event of healing was motivated by God’s Son, Jesus, to show the unbelieving, hypocritical religious leaders the glory and power of God. In fact, all the miracles Jesus performed were for the good of people in dire circumstances but above all, to show people, ordinary people, who God is and what He can do. All was done, not to bring glory to Jesus, but to God His Father in heaven who sent Him.We pray. God acts. Why then are we so surprised, fearful even, when we see God work in our own lives?
In this instance fear of the unknown swept through the crowd. A man was paralyzed and then suddenly he wasn’t. All because of Jesus’ healing power by the authority given to Him by God.
Fear and surprise are forms of unbelief that hinder our growing faith. The religious elite were so far from God they only saw rules broken. The world was so removed from thinking and knowing there is a God that fear overcame them.
Where are we in all this? Where is our world now as a whole?When we stop to think about it, there is more to be done to help people find, accept, believe and follow Jesus. It begins with prayer, letting God know you care. We pray for what God wants…to reconcile people to Him. We pray for how God can use us as His hands and feet, voice and resource. We pray for boldness to do what He says when He invites us to His work. It is HIS work. We are His servants of representation.
As such, we have been given the power of Jesus, the kind of power that brought Jesus back to life, living in us. Tap into that power when talking to God. Because of Jesus work on the cross and our believing He paid our debt of sin, we can walk right into the throne room of God with no barriers between us. We get our “marching orders” of purpose and God’s will directly from Him. Then given the go ahead to do what He says to be and do.
Jesus gave the commission, with authority from God, to us to do what He did on earth…“Jesus came and told his disciples, ‘I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28,
HOLY PAUSE
Do these thoughts of God excite us or cause fear and trembling? It depends on our relationship to God. Do we know Him? Do we really believe that what we believe is really real?
Dear Lord,
I am overwhelmed by Your love, mercy and grace. I’m in awe of how you work in our lives and in the lives of others. I’m learning that awe is a healthy fear and respect for the One and Only we should worshiped and praised. Quite frankly, I’m not surprised only elated when you work so miraculously today! I am devoted to you. You are Life. You are my hope of life now and for eternity. May all that we think, do or say today bring you glory!
In Jesus Name, Amen
Daily Manna (Coffee with Jesus) 