Matthew 9:1-8

Jesus Heals a Paralytic

This chapter begins with Matthew, a disciple of Christ account of Jesus' healing of a paralytic man. Since Jesus was just asked to leave the town he was in for casting out demons, he returns a familiar place Nazareth. Jesus was very much welcome in his home town of Nazareth. When he arrived some people brought a crippled man to Jesus and his reply to the man was "Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven."(9:2) Upon saying this, those who taught the law among themselves accused Jesus of blaspheming. In those times, it is believed according to the law that only God had the authority to forgive sins. These people were still blinded at the fact that Jesus was in fact the son of God! And has been given authority from God to do that. Jesus knew what they were thinking and tells them "Which is easier to say, "Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk"? This statement right here is so beautiful! Jesus is looking from an eternal perspective. Forgiveness of sins is much greater than being healed of a physical ailment. Forgiveness is a spiritual healing and ultimately the kind that is most beneficial to us. Physical needs are temporary.

Life Application: I often get so overwhelmed at the fact I do not always have the things I want/need. Like a new car to actually get me to work safely, or money for this and that. But as the bible said in Matthew 6:33 "But seek first His kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be give to you as well." It's that simple. When your focus is on the right place, everything else will simply fall in place.

Dear God help me to take joy in the fact that you have come to give me spiritual healing that I may live with you eternally in heaven. Help me to have a spiritual mindset and not focus so much on my physical needs but believe that as you promised in your word those will be taken care of as well.