Matthew 9:1-8 (NIV)
Jesus stepped into a boat, crossed over and came to his own town. Some men brought to him a paralyzed man, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.”
At this, some of the teachers of the law said to themselves, “This fellow is blaspheming!”
Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, “Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts? Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” 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.
What is your interpretation of the passage posted posted above? And what are some key points you’ve identified from your reading of it today? Your comments will be posted after our group discussion about the passage. Share your thoughts below.
This demonstrates to me that if we want to get healed, we have to be willing to come to Jesus first. Faith moves the heart of God….
I wondered how the Pharisees stood on every word of Moses but believe in Christ even when He did the miracles right in front of them.
The Lord knows our every thought…..but because of our guilt we hide from Him.
the version that I was reading said gave such power to men…my question was going to be who are the men? Jesus was the only healing in this parable. But this passage says “man”.
I loved how Christ called them out….he knew their thoughts but shut them up….basically let me demonstrate my power! Bam here you go. Get up and walk. Take your mat as a reminder of your deliverance!
When He saw their faith…..at times we need to exercise our for someone else….