Wednesday 25 July, 2018

2 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.” 3 At this, some of the teachers of the law said to themselves, “This fellow is blaspheming!” 4 Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, “Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts? 5 Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? 6 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.” 7 Then the man got up and went home. 8 When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe; and they praised God, who had given such authority to man.

This passage is such a great portrayal of Jesus’ compassion, authenticity & humility.

He saw the man who was unable to walk, and spoke to him that he should not lose hope. He then tells him that his sins are forgiven and later in the passage goes on to heal him physically, showing great love & kindness.

When the teachers of the law were angered by his actions, Jesus knew what they were thinking & saying about him. Yet he did not back down or worry about displeasing them or anyone else, rather he stood firm in who he knew he was – the Son of God. When the people were amazed at this, it says they praised God for giving such authority to Jesus, not that they praised Jesus himself. In all that Jesus did, he pointed to God the Father, never seeking praise for himself.

This causes me to reflect on my own thoughts & actions. Often I am wrapped up in my own world which sometimes causes me to lack compassion, to act in ways that a child of God should not, or to seek to serve myself first. I am so grateful for the example of Jesus – the ultimate example of how we should live!

Jesus, thank you for who you are & for showing us how we should live. Help us to follow this example, that we would be people who reflect your compassion, authenticity & humility in all that we do, say & think. Amen.

Written by Ps. Madelaine Tarasenko