Tuesday 11 March 2025
"For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and walk’?" (v. 5)
Background
Matthew has given us two stories which demonstrate Jesus’ authority over nature (the stilling of the storm – 8:23-27) and the demonic (the casting out of demons from two men 8:28-9:1). In today’s passage, he completes his trio of stories by showing us that Jesus also has authority over sin.
A paralysed man is brought to Jesus with the aid of an enviable group of friends who (Mark's Gospel tells us – 2:1-5) manage to avoid the crowds and dig through the roof to lower the man down in front of Jesus. Impressed with their determined actions, Jesus heals the man with just two pronouncements: "Take heart son; your sins are forgiven" (v. 2) and "Stand up, take your bed and go to your home." (v. 6)
Working as a hospital chaplain, I was often asked by patients: "What have I done to deserve this?" Even today some still believe that suffering is caused by personal sin. Happily, I was able to dispel any guilt that they were somehow responsible for their medical conditions.
In Jewish thought however, personal sin and suffering were inextricably linked. No one could be healed until their sins had been forgiven and even the Messiah could not forgive sin, only God. So it’s no wonder the scribes start to level charges of blasphemy against Jesus. By forgiving sins, Jesus is clearly laying claim to divine authority.
So Jesus asks them: "For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and walk’? (v. 5)
Jesus is saying neither is easier since both are impossible for humans, but what is impossible for us is very easy for God.
In these stories demonstrating Jesus’ authority, Matthew lays out the challenge before us. Are we like the crowds who witnessed the healing of the paralysed man ("Filled with awe and praising God?" v. 8)? Or are we more like the crowds who witnessed him casting out demons and begged him to leave our region? (8:34).
To Ponder:
- Imagine yourself at the scene of the healing of the paralysed man. How do you think you might have reacted?
- The friends bring the paralysed man to Jesus. What does this say about the responsibility we have to bring our friends to him?
- Have you ever witnessed a ‘miraculous’ healing? What was the reaction from onlookers?
Prayer
Loving God, help me to ‘go that extra mile’ to bring the people I love to Jesus. Amen.
Bible notes author: Sue Moore
Sue Moore is a visiting Anglican preacher on the Methodist circuit in West Norfolk. She is candidating for the role of Distinctive Deacon and together with her husband runs a bereavement support group. They have two greyhounds who keep them fit with plenty of walking.