The
second chapter of Mark’s Gospel relates a story of a paralyzed man receiving
healing. He and his friends made a valiant effort to gain an audience with
Jesus so the paralytic could be healed. Imagine this man's response as Jesus
pronounced him healed, saying: "Your
sins are forgiven. Rise up and walk."
Mark’s
Gospel gives us this account for two distinct reasons. First, there’s a
connection between various types of illness and the role forgiveness of sin
plays in receiving healing. The second reason is to let us know persistence is
often required to get to a place where healing can be secured. Imagine the
courage it took for this man to submit to Jesus for healing.
These friends persevered until
Jesus recognized their friend’s need. Faith and hope inspired them to press on in
their pursuit of Jesus. Their determination and faith amazed Jesus. He responded
to their friend, "Your sins are
forgiven. Get up and go home." Do you need to hear these words for the
burden you’re carrying? There’s no limit to God's mercy and forgiveness.
When Jesus saw
how strongly they believed that he would help, Jesus said to the sick man, “Son,
your sins are forgiven!”
…Then turning to
the paralyzed man, he commanded, “Pick up your stretcher and go on home, for
you are healed!”
The man jumped
up, took the stretcher, and pushed his way through the stunned onlookers! Then
how they praised God. “We’ve never seen anything like this before!” they all exclaimed.
~Mark 2:5, 11-12 The
Living Bible
Believing-prayer (the prayer of
faith) will heal you, and Jesus will put
you on your feet. And if you have sinned, you’ll be forgiven – healed inside and
out.
~James 5:15 The
Message
