Jesus Forgives, & Heals, A Paralytic

Some men brought to him a paralyzed man, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.” At this, some of the teachers of the law said to themselves, “This fellow is blaspheming!” Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, “Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts? Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the paralyzed man, “Get up, take your mat and go home.” Then the man got up and went home. When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe; and they praised God, who had given such authority to human beings. -Matthew 9:2-8

There is no miracle greater than the forgiveness of our sins. As Christians it becomes easy after a while to take our forgiveness for granted, but to the first century Jews forgiveness was an exclusively divine act that required a holy priest and a blood sacrifice. It still is. We have a great a beautiful privilege to live in a world where our sins have all already been paid for by Christ's blood, and in which the Spirit dwells in the hearts of men and women, equipping and inspiring them to acts of divine forgiveness.

Challenge: Is there someone you need to forgive? It is a proof of God being in us when we offer forgiveness. Pray and declare the forgiveness in Jesus name for anyone who's wronged you. Be as specific as you can. Remember that you stand forgiven as well and are welcomed enthusiastically into God's kingdom through no virtue of your own.