Scripture:
Luke 5:17-26 NKJV
[17] Now it happened on a certain day, as He was teaching, that there were Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting by, who had come out of every town of Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was present to heal them. [18] Then behold, men brought on a bed a man who was paralyzed, whom they sought to bring in and lay before Him. [19] And when they could not find how they might bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the housetop and let him down with his bed through the tiling into the midst before Jesus. [20] When He saw their faith, He said to him, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” [21] And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” [22] But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, He answered and said to them, “Why are you reasoning in your hearts? [23] Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise up and walk’? [24] But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—He said to the man who was paralyzed, “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” [25] Immediately he rose up before them, took up what he had been lying on, and departed to his own house, glorifying God. [26] And they were all amazed, and they glorified God and were filled with fear, saying, “We have seen strange things today!”
Observation:
This story is found in 3 out of 4 of the gospels. The only one who doesn’t mention it is John. I’m sure he thought it was just as amazing, but his gospel had a little purpose. I took the time to read 2 out of the 3 gospels this morning because I wanted to get a better perspective on what was going on. Jesus had just gotten to Capernaum and settled into a house to speak to the crowd that heard that HE was in town. Some many people showed up that it was impossible for anyone to get to HIM. One man who had been paralyzed somehow was desperate. He had probably heard that Jesus could do something to help him, and his condition was worth making the effort to find out. Having no way to push through the crowd. I could see him and his friends talking at the back of the crowd. “How are we going to get to HIM?”… “We can’t push through the crowd… we have tried that, the people are to overcome by HIS teaching.”Wait, we can get up on the roof and lower you down… do you think it will work… I don’t care. I have to do something and I can’t do it by myself. Come on guys, let’s try it. These men know that Jesus was the answer and they were willing to risk it all. Climbing up on the roof, they dug a hole in it and lowered him down. I think about what Jesus must have been thinking…. these guys, man, they get it. They know who I am. As the paralytic is lowered down, the religious leaders look on, wondering what’s about to happen. When Jesus speaks the words that blow their hair back. Your sins are forgiven… “Wait, what did HE say. HE can’t do that. Who does HE think HE is, GOD HIMSELF?” Then Jesus because HE is the very SON of GOD knows what they are thinking, and answers them before any words are ever spoken. “Is it easier to say your sins are forgiven or Rise and walk. But just so you know the authority I have been given by my father. Rise and walk.” I’m sure the once paralyzed man was just as shocked when his legs got the strength to stand and walk. As the religious leaders were. But that’s exactly what happened. Verse 26 brings the purpose of the whole encounter to the surface. What had happened is a miracle, and there is only one way that miracles happen. GOD, the Father, reached down through GOD the SON and healed this man. Everyone saw it and went away glorifying GOD.
Application:
I have a question this morning. Can you make the last time you were so desperate for Jesus that you would risk it all? Do you remember that day? The day when you said I don’t care about what it cost me, I have to get to HIM. HE is the answer. Maybe you knew that your family wouldn’t understand or maybe all your friends would call you a bible thumper. But you didn’t care. You knew HE was the answer, and your condition was severe enough to do whatever it took. I’m telling you, I know that desperation, and if you have not felt it yet… be grateful, I know what it feels like to be willing to walk miles just to get some time with the healer. Because you know that HE is the answer and you need HIM desperately. I don’t know about you, but time with HIM just changes me. It allows me to look at things differently. Instead of lying down thinking I can do nothing. Desperately seeking Jesus is the answer it always is. It doesn’t matter what’s going on in your life. Whether you need physical healing or a spiritual reconnection. Jesus is the answer. So let me ask you a question. We all know time is getting short, and the enemy is playing his games. If you are a follower of Jesus, you have probably been under some kind of attack. Whether it be some kind of sickness or even a little resentment, you haven’t let go of yet, or even depression and anxiety. Can I tell you that Jesus is your answer? Has your condition gotten to the point that you know it’s too much for you? Are you ready to risk it all? Maybe it’s time to get someone to carry you to Jesus because you know you can’t get there on your own. When we are desperate for Jesus, HE hears us. GOD is close to the broken-hearted. HE hears your desperate cry for help and knows just what to say. YOUR SINS ARE FORGIVEN. All you have to do is seek HIM. Just cry out to HIM and do whatever it takes to get to HIM. Please trust me when I tell you I know what it feels like, and you don’t have to stay there. I will carry you to Jesus and dig a hole in the roof to lower you down if that’s what is needed. How is that done? Well my end of it is prayer at this point. Unless you reach out to me, then we can go together. The point is are you desperate. Is your world falling apart and you don’t know how to fix it. Let’s get to the one who can paint a mosaic with all the broken pieces.
Prayer:
Father, I know you know our hearts. You see our condition and know exactly where we are. We know tge you are the answer. But right now maybe we feel paralyzed by fear of what others may think or overwhelmed by what we believe it will cost. Help us to see our desperation. Help us to see that there is no condemnation. Only the love that can not be explained. A love that heals and forgives. A love without end. One that doesn’t give up because we can’t walk. A love that meets us right where we are. We know that if our hearts are open to you that you will step in and do what only you can do. We want to never forget how desperately we need you. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus we pray amen