The Good And The Important!

As Jesus walked the face of this earth, He touched individuals in various ways. For some it was their bodies that were touched, for others it was their hearts, and for some it was both. However, even when Jesus brought physical healing, quite often we read of Him taking the opportunity to make a spiritual point of some kind. One of those occasions was the healing of the centurion’s servant ( Matthew 8:5-13; Luke 7:1-10) when Jesus drew attention to an example of great faith ( Matthew 8:10) as well as revealing the welcoming of Gentiles into God’s kingdom in contrast to the rejection of Jews who would not believe. ( Matthew 8:11-12)

Note Jesus’ initial response on another occasion.
“And behold, some people brought to him a paralytic, lying on a bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Take heart, my son; YOUR SINS ARE FORGIVEN.’” ( Matthew 9:2 ESV)

Jesus healed many people of various disabilities and diseases. However, by our Lord’s own admission, He had come to “SEEK AND TO SAVE THE LOST.” ( Luke 19:10) The miracles Jesus performed to bring healing were a demonstration of His Divine power and an expression of His kindness to those whose lives crossed His path. But the greatest need -- the severest malady of mankind -- was that of the sin-sick soul.

When Jesus told the paralytic his sins were forgiven, some of the Scribes who were present said to themselves that Jesus was blaspheming to claim He had such power. ( Matthew 9:3) Note Jesus’ further response.
“(4) But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, ‘Why do you think evil in your hearts? (5) For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? (6) But THAT YOU MAY KNOW THAT THE SON OF MAN HAS AUTHORITY ON EARTH TO FORGIVE SINS’ -- he then said to the paralytic -- ‘RISE, PICK UP YOUR BED AND GO HOME.’ (7) And he rose and went home. (8) When the crowds saw it, they were afraid, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to men.” ( Matthew 9:4-8 ESV)

I wonder if this paralytic would have left satisfied with only having his sins forgiven. Due to the Scribe’s reaction we were not given the opportunity to know. The healing this man received from Jesus was good, but his most important need was the FORGIVENESS and SALVATION of his soul.

As we pray for others, to be mindful of their struggles with illness is good, honorable and pleasing to God. It is a worthy focus of genuine concern and prayer. Nevertheless, the greatest need is the opportunity to gain entrance into the heavenly kingdom. Therefore, the question for each of us to come to grips with is this: Are we more concerned with praying to keep people out of the hospital than we are for keeping people out of hell? To me, that is a very convicting question! What is it for you?

We should be like Jesus Who went about doing good. ( Acts 10:38) But most importantly is the consciousness of the spiritual condition of souls. We cannot absolve the sins of others, but we can introduce them to the One Who does have that power. May we be more diligent in sharing the message of forgiveness and eternal hope centered in the life united with Jesus Christ.

Have a great day LIVING MINDFUL OF OUR LORD’S MISSION!
Carl

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