We do not read about the paralytic nor his four friends who brought him getting upset about Jesus forgiving his sins, instead of speaking words of healing.  But we see the so-called righteous scribes who were just bystanders, getting upset.  No offence was taken either by the paralytic or his friends because of their desperate need for a healing which they knew could only come from Jesus.  And when it did they all gave glory to God thus proving the scribes wrong in their scepticism.

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So what do all these events show us?
 

• Salvation from sin is a must

The healing of the paralytic points to the fact that we need to be cleansed from the defiling aspects of sin and be healed from the paralyzing effects of sin. The guilt of sin stifles us, hindering us from being all that God intends us to be.  Imagine the relief that the paralytic must have felt when he heard those words of forgiveness.  It is not only physical healing we need but total healing in spirit, soul and body.  Jesus frees us from the imprisoning paralysis of sin and gives us the power to "take up our beds and walk"- to fulfil the purpose for which we are created.  We need to repent of our current ways and acknowledge Him as Lord and Saviour by accepting that He paid the penalty for our sins so that He can free us to obtain eternal life.  

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• Presence of sin has to be broken

Jesus sees the reasoning in their heart and addresses it.  What goes on in our heart is very important and therefore, “Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life.” (Proverbs 4:23)  Finding fault and being critical are some of the easiest things to do and come naturally to us. But Jesus told us not to judge "lest you be judged" (Matt. 7:1) and we are to heed His command. And help to overcome sin comes through His Holy Spirit in us who remind us of His words- for eg: “I have stored up Your word in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” – Psalm 119:11

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• We have to walk

The Lord did not carry the bed for him but commanded him to take up his own bed and walk. When he obeyed he received strength to do so. When the Lord heals and removes its effects in us He does not relieve us of our workloads and responsibilities. We may even have certain burdensome problems and trials of normal daily life, but He enables us to carry them.

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• We have to lead many to Christ

When Jesus saw the faith of the four people He was moved (V5). Not only that, they never gave up when hindered, but found a way to reach him to Jesus. They did it together in unity with others. As believers, we are called to use different methods like fasting, praying, preaching, witnessing, answering questions and helping without losing hope to lead others to Christ.

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• Many will oppose

The scribes could have been there in the first place to find fault with Jesus.  So when He forgave sins they were quick to latch on to it by calling it blasphemy on His part as only God can forgive sins.   They did not know that Jesus is God himself in the flesh. Likewise, we also will have opposition when we witness, but the Gospel which is the power of God is sufficient.  

 

The one faithful approach of our Lord Jesus to each person was/is His selfless love and patience towards them.  He was/is genuine and caring and took/takes time and made/makes Himself available to all.
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Think On:   "And hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick; I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners. "- Mark 2:17