Read it- Mark 2:1-12
Live it- There is a surprise twist in today’s story of the healing of the paralyzed man. At first glance it seems pretty straightforward. A paralyzed man needs healing, and some of his friends are determined to get him in front of Jesus. Ready for the surprise? After his friends and family members lower him through the roof, Jesus honors their faith by first forgiving the man’s sins, and then He heals him. Jesus knew every person’s deepest need is forgiveness of the sins that separate us from God.
This upset the religious leaders of the day who questioned Jesus’s authority to forgive sins. Jesus, reading their thoughts, asks them if it is easier to forgive sins or heal. Before they can respond, He instructs the man to, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!” The man did more than stand up. He literally jumped up and went home forgiven and whole.
We, too, can walk in victory because Jesus paid the price for our sins and through Him, we are forgiven and whole. Who do you know who needs to hear this good news today?
-Kathie
