Today we are reading Luke 5. In this chapter we read about some of the stories of Jesus’ early ministries around Capernaum. We will focus in on the Healing of the Paralytic. “And behold, some men were bringing on a bed a man who was paralyzed, and they were seeking to bring him in and lay him before Jesus, but finding no way to bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the midst before Jesus. And when he saw their faith, he said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” And the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, saying, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” When Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answered them, “Why do you question in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” —he said to the man who was paralyzed— “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed and go home.” And immediately he rose up before them and picked up what he had been lying on and went home, glorifying God.” Luke 5:18-25 ESV In this story it seems like a series of “mix-ups”. First, the place was packed with those who came to investigate Jesus—“On one of those days, as he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem.” Luke 5:17 ESV Normally, Jesus was out among the poor and the common people. In this instance all the religious leaders, from as far away as Jerusalem, came to keep an eye on Jesus. The poor man suffering from paralysis was blocked from entering. Second, Jesus seems oblivious to the man’s physical condition and instead talks about forgiveness of sins. Third, the religious leaders accuse Jesus of blasphemy while they are sinning against the Son of God! Jesus response is amazing! He heals the man of paralysis, proving He has the authority to forgive and silencing those who came with ill intent. Clearly, Jesus had the whole situation under control! He simply used the circumstances to make His message. God is still in control. God is still able to take our apparent chaos and use it as a platform for the Gospel. God is still able to silence those who oppose Him. May God use you today to share His message through your circumstances. Pastor Tim
