Matthew 9:1-8
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
Over the last couple of meditations, we’ve seen Jesus exercise authority over nature and over evil spirits. Read Matthew 9:1-8 watching for the ways Jesus exercises his God-given authority in this passage.
Both Mark and Luke include information about the way the paralyzed man gains access to Jesus, but Matthew cuts right to the heart of the story. Jesus has authority even over sin.
We aren’t told why the man is paralyzed, or if his condition is the result of some kind of foolish behavior on his part, but Jesus immediately senses the man’s deep despair and the only thing that seems to matter to Jesus in that moment is the man’s hopelessness. That is what Jesus heals first.
Take a moment to get quiet and let your thoughts settle. When you feel centered, think about any past mistakes or current habits or attitudes about which you feel guilty or hopeless. Imagine a couple of your friends carrying you and setting you down before Jesus, and Jesus speaking these words to you:
“Be encouraged, my child! Your sins are forgiven.”
Stay with this image for a while noticing whatever Jesus wants you to notice.
Read Matthew 9:1-8 again focusing on the second half of the story.
This story marks a turning point in Matthew’s Gospel. Until now, the religious authorities have been largely silent about Jesus, but when Jesus does something only God can do, the powers that be are outraged. By pronouncing forgiveness of this man’s sin, Jesus is unapologetically demonstrating his divine authority to set all things right – even the heart and soul of a person.
The indignation of these religious leaders is a cancer that will eventually grow into murderous hatred for Jesus, but these men cannot see the sickness in their own souls, nor can they see the inner restoration of the paralyzed man.
And many miracles are like that. When Jesus heals someone emotionally or spiritually, we have only the testimony of the healed person to go on. There may be no outward signs that healing has taken place. In the case of the paralyzed man, Jesus follows the inner healing with an outer physical healing, but even though physical healing may be more dramatic, it is only helpful for a time. Inner healing sets a person right with God for eternity.
Get quiet again and return to the image of yourself lying paralyzed before Jesus.
What do you sense Jesus saying to you through this story of miracles and authority?
What will you do to respond to Jesus today?
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