Today, we will continue in the study of Mark 2:1-12, Matthew 9:2-8, Luke 5:17-26. We are also adding Psalm 139:1-6. In our study from November 23, 2020, we are continuing in studying about when Jesus healed the paralytic. Today, we will focus on how God uses illness to bring us closer to Him as well as forgive our sins.

Can you imagine being healed by Jesus in that house after the invalid’s friends lowered him down on his bed through the roof? Jesus healed him, the man got up and took his bed and walked out of that home clean, forgiven of his sins and trespasses, and was healed and made whole. The man after spending years in a health affliction, suffering, so weak that he needed friends to carry him to Jesus. He walked home praising God for his healing.

JC Ryle wrote, “Let us beware of murmuring under affliction. Every cross is meant to call us nearer to God. Bereavements have proved mercies. Losses have proved real gains. Sicknesses have led many to the great Physician of souls, sent them to the Bible, shut out the world, shown them their foolishness and taught them to pray. Thousands echo David’s words from Psalm 119:71, “It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.”[1]

In Mark 2:8, Jesus can see into men’s hearts. We cannot keep anything secret from Christ Jesus. Read Hebrews 4:13, “And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”

The scribes thought that Jesus did not have the authority to forgave the invalid’s sins, only God could do that. And yet Jesus knew what they thought. The scribes thought Jesus had committed blasphemy. Jesus knew what they were thing and He knows what we think, even words before we speak them. See Psalm 139:4, “Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.”

Jesus sees us daily. He sees our actions and He knows our hearts and our minds. Jesus has the priestly power to forgive our sins. See Mark 2:5 and 10, “⁵ And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” ¹⁰ But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” There is no other person, angel, minister of any domination, can take away a sinner’s sin guilt and absolve them of their sins. That authority only comes through Jesus Christ and the sinner praying for forgiveness and turning from their wicked ways. Go has given His Son, Jesus, the authority to forgive sins.

If you are not a Believer in Christ Jesus, won’t you come to Him today? Pray this simple prayer:

Dear Jesus, I am a sinner. I believe that you are the Son of God and that you came into the world to save it. I believe you died on the cross to save me of my sins. I believe that you rose from the grave on the third day. I ask you to come into my heart and forgive me from all the sins and trespasses I have ever committed. Thank you, Jesus, for saving my soul. I pray this in Jesus Name! Amen.

References:

Ryle, JC, Compiled by Robert Sheehan, Daily Readings (Welwyn Garden City, UK: EP Books, 2020) 24 February Morning.

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[1] JC Ryle Compiled by Robert Sheehan, Daily Readings (Welwyn Garden City, UK: EP Books, 2020) 24 February Morning.

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