The Paralytic

Jesus is teaching a large group of people in a house. Many houses at that time were built around an open courtyard. The court often had a lattice over it to provide shade. (That’s what it sounded like to me. I might be wrong though.)

Jesus is probably standing in the courtyard. It could accommodate the most people in the house. And Scripture points out that there are Pharisees, and other religious leaders, in the crowd.

Some men carry a paralytic to the house, to be healed by Jesus. But it is too crowded. They can’t get near the door. So, they climb to the roof, remove some of the lattice work, and lower the man down in front of Jesus.

And Jesus, observing the men’s faith, proclaimed that the man’s sin was forgiven.

The Pharisees, immediately, got into an uproar. No one could forgive sin, but God alone. Jesus was a man, and had no such authority.

So, Jesus asked: which is easier? You’re forgiven? Or rise and walk? And the obvious answer is: you’re forgiven, because no visible, tangible response is expected. Rise, and walk, expects a paralyzed man to move.

So, Jesus responded: To demonstrate that I have the authority to forgive sins, … And he commands the man to rise, and walk. And the man gets up and goes home.

Jesus’ miracles were a demonstration of his love, and kindness, toward people. But, they were also a demonstration of his God-given authority. Authority to change the world. Authority to be the forgiver of mankind’s sin. By faith in what he did, and giving him our allegiance, we take up what he gives, and we walk in a new way of life.