9
6 But some of the scribes were sitting there and thinking it over in their hearts,
7 “Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins except God alone?”
8 Immediately Jesus, aware in His spirit that they were thinking that way within themselves, *said to them, “Why are you thinking about these things in your hearts?
9 Which is easier, to say to the paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven’; or to say, ‘Get up, and pick up your pallet and walk’?
10 But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—He *said to the paralyzed man,
11 “I say to you, get up, pick up your pallet, and go home.”
12 And he got up and immediately picked up the pallet and went out in the sight of everyone, so that they were all amazed and were glorifying God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”
Now, there were some scribes sitting amongst the crowd. They questioned in their hearts, “Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins except God alone?” The scribes were there not to learn from Jesus, rather to find a reason to criticize Him. Despite their knowledge, they lacked love and compassion. The Bible teaches that knowledge makes one conceited. Let us learn to be humble while seeking knowledge.
Gradually, it becomes clear that Jesus is the Son of God and the Messiah. (1) Jesus knew their hearts. He looked through their hearts and knew the reason behind their criticism. (2) He asked them which was easier: to forgive sins or to heal the sick. For Jesus, healing the sick was the easier task. But for the scribes, physical healing was more challenging, as it was followed by immediate visible results. Therefore, Jesus deliberately chose what the scribes deemed difficult and declared healing. He said, “Get up, pick up your pallet, and go home.” Immediately, the man stood up, took the pallet he had been lying on, and began to walk. The sight of the once crippled man walking is a sign that salvation has come (ref. Isa. 35:6, Jer. 31:8). Those who witnessed this healing were astonished and praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!” Up to this point, the true nature of Jesus has become increasingly evident. He cast out demons, healed fevers, proclaimed forgiveness of sins, and as its, He enabled the paralyzed to walk. He is indeed the promised Messiah the Old Testament had prophesized. Let’s decide again today, to go into the world with the living Christ, who continues to do His will.
Today's prayer
Heavenly Father, what a blessed life it is to walk with Jesus, the Messiah. Today, I go into the world with Jesus again. Please guide me. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.