Mark 2
“And when they could not get near [Jesus] because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven’” (Mark 2:4-5).
The friends of this paralytic man were so desperate to get him in front of Jesus, they tore up the roof, made an opening, and let down the bed on which he lay. Their actions were spontaneous and improvised. Jesus saw their faith (v. 5). He doesn’t immediately heal the paralytic, though. Instead, he forgives his sins (v. 5). Only later does he heal him (vv. 11-12). This indicates being forgiven one’s sins is greater than being physically healed. The forgiveness of sins and the healing happen as a result of the friends’ faith and Jesus’ decision to use his power according to his Father’s desire.
I am so thankful Jesus has forgiven my sins, which are many. I am also thankful that Averil, Sophia, Noah, and Abraham are believers, and Jesus has forgiven their sins as well. Whether Averil gets healed from cancer, whether Sophia gets healed from her scoliosis, and whether my friend Hunter gets healed from his disability, their sins are forgiven, and that is what is most important. We all will be with Jesus in his kingdom as a result of the forgiveness of sins. I want to have great faith as did the friends of the paralytic. I want to bring hurting people in prayer before the Lord Jesus, who forgives sins and who has the authority to heal.
Father, thank you your Son has the authority to forgive sins and to heal the sick and disabled. May we have great faith in bringing hurting people in prayer before him. I bring Averil, Sophia, and Hunter before you this morning and thank you that their sins are already forgiven. They are your children. Now Father, through the power and authority of Jesus, give them physical healing as well. May we see day by day improvement in their physical health. Thank you you sent your Son to grant us shalom in all areas. May we have great faith in what you want to do in our lives. In Jesus’ name, amen.
- Jeff Coleman