HEAL - God's Heart for Healing in MatthewExemplo

Paralytic on a Mat

Jesus had returned to Capernaum, a sea-side village on the Sea of Galilee. He preached in a home when his talk was interrupted by four guys bringing their paralytic friend or loved one through the roof of the house.  

Matthew focuses his attention on Jesus’ authority to forgive sins. The first thing He says to the paralytic man is, “Take heart, son, your sins are forgiven.” At that point, the teachers of the law thought to themselves that Jesus’ words were blasphemous. But He knew exactly what they were thinking. Notice how He associates evil thoughts with the state of their hearts.

Only Jesus can forgive sins. Jesus was more concerned with this man’s spiritual condition than physical. 

Questions:

1. Why do you think Jesus put an emphasis on the forgiveness of sins?

2. It says Jesus knew the thoughts of the teachers of the law. What do you think of that?

3. To “forgive” literally means “to cast-away”. Once “cast-away”, the forgiven sin no longer exists, nor should any remainder of guilt associated with it. Faith in Jesus includes acceptance of His authority to cast-away any sin confessed and repented of, as well as removing the guilt of it from our souls. Have you asked Jesus to forgive you of your sins? Do you still carry guilt around from past sins? If you haven’t asked for His forgiveness of your sins and freedom from guilt, what are you waiting for?