Then behold, they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you.” And at once some of the scribes said within themselves, “This Man blasphemes!” But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? “For which is easier, to say, `Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, `Arise and walk ‘? “But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins “– then He said to the paralytic, “Arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” And he arose and departed to his house. Now when the multitudes saw it, they marveled and glorified God, who had given such power to men. (Mat 9:2-8 NKJ)
Jesus always got to the root of the problem. In this case, there appears to be some issue or link to the man’s sinful condition. Other times it has been because of demonic activity, or that the person was just sick. Either way, he always had the words that brought life. The scribes, on the other hand, had no solution. They were more concerned about the letter of the law.
It’s amazing how the Apostle Paul and the writer to the Hebrews talk about running the race of life with our eyes on the prize. (1 Co. 9:24; 2 Tim. 4:7; Heb. 12:1) Other verses talk about life being a walk, in terms of the quality and content of our faith. But the Matthew text shows us the effects of sin—debilitating. Stand up and walk away.
