The Ripple Effect | Anne Imboden
Jesus Forgives and Heals a Paralyzed Man
Matthew 9:1-8
Jesus was so intentional in the way He performed miracles. He was careful and thoughtful about how each miracle would impact the kingdom of heaven.
With each act of healing, provision, restoration, or forgiveness, He had a purpose, and it was never to show off.
In the case of the paralyzed man in Matthew 9:1-8, Jesus’ miracle was twofold. Verse two begins, “Some men brought this paralyzed man to Jesus, lying on a mat.” It seems obvious what they wanted Jesus to do. Jesus had been healing people from disease, paralysis, and demon possession up to that point. Healing one more man would be a cakewalk, and yet, that’s not what Jesus chose to do (at least, not at first).
The rest of verse two tells us the paralyzed man and the men that brought him there had faith so big that it got Jesus’ attention, and it was their faith that spurred Jesus to say, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.”
Did you catch it?
Their faith is what healed the man’s soul, not his body. The man showed up expecting physical healing, but he got something better: forgiveness.
This, of course, was on purpose. Certainly, Jesus knew the man was asking to be healed of his paralysis, but in light of God’s kingdom, forgiveness sounded like a way better idea. In choosing to forgive first, Jesus demonstrated He had the full authority of God (v. 5-6). The physical healing came next as an added bonus.
“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 man,” (v. 6-8).
Each miraculous act Jesus carried out brought glory to God by creating a ripple effect.
When Jesus forgave the man’s sins, He proved who He was to the teachers of the law who wrongfully accused Him. When Jesus healed the man’s body, He proved who He was to the rest of the crowd.
But the man who’d been forgiven and healed? He’d known who Jesus was all along, and as he walked off with his mat you can bet he had a story to share. Jesus didn’t perform miracles to show off. He didn’t have to. That’s our job. We’ve been forgiven, redeemed, maybe even physically healed, and we get to spread the word.
Jesus’ life on earth may be done for now, but His work for the kingdom is not. We are living, breathing proof of His miraculous works. Let’s get out there and share our story.
STUDY & REFLECTION:
Read through these verses on God’s forgiveness and reflect on His forgiveness for your sins:
Psalm 103:8-12, Isaiah 43:25, Micah 7:18-19
What strikes you as miraculous about God’s forgiveness? Where else in your life have you experienced God’s miracles?
Where in your life do you need healing? Ask God to relieve you from an illness, pain, or wounds you are experiencing.
LIVING UNVEILED AND FREE:
Pray this prayer with me:
'Lord Jesus, I come before you today with complete faith that You are the God who can heal and restore. I ask You to forgive my sin and heal me from any pain I’m feeling because I believe You can. Thank You for the miracles You have done in my life. Bring them to the forefront of my mind when my faith is lacking and my gratitude is waning. Give me the boldness to share what You’ve done in my life with as many people as I can. Use my story to expand Your kingdom. Thank You for the miracle You’ve made of me."
Meet Our Devotion Writer:
Anne Imboden
Hi! I’m Anne. I’m a pastor’s wife, adoptive mama, and a blogger. The only things I love more than coffee are my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, my incredible cheerleader of a husband, and my two gorgeous kids. I’m known by my friends for my gifts of sarcasm, wit, authenticity, and encouragement (in that order). I’m an imperfect woman living for a perfect God.
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Blog: GloryInTheGrind.com
Email: GloryInTheGrind@outlook.com
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