DAY TWENTY – Thursday, March 11, 2021
Matthew 9:2-8
And just then some people were carrying a paralyzed man lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.” Then some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” But Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven’, or to say, ‘Stand up and walk’? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”–he then said to the paralytic–“Stand up, take your bed and go to your home.” And he stood up and went to his home. When the crowds saw it, they were filled with awe, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to human beings.
From the emerging knowledge of the still young social science psychology, we might put a different spin on the state of the paralyzed man, lying on a bed, and brought to Jesus by some people, his friends.
This man could be suffering from a deep, deep depression. Paralyzed by loss of self, loss of life purpose, loss of worthiness, loss of any sense of direction.
Whatever had seized his mind, in biblical days might be thought of as sin, for want of a better concept.
We are the same people now as in biblical days, with just some different sets of beliefs based on the knowledge of the times.
Jesus saw the faith of the people who brought the man. We see people of faith amongst us now. When Jesus spoke reassuringly, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven,” the scribes, conventional fonts of wisdom, took exception and called Jesus blasphemous.
We know people who read other people. Jesus was one of those, and challenged the scribes for thinking evil thoughts, conventional wisdom. To me this is an example of people being opinionated. They have not considered the circumstances and thought out an opinion as a guide to follow. Jesus had. With confidence he spoke his belief that the man, upon hearing the sincerity and depth of Jesus words and confidence, felt the presence of Someone who was reaching him, suggesting he had worth, a sense of direction, a life purpose before him, and a sense of self.
So, when Jesus said, “Rise, take up your bed and go home.” He rose and went home.
Yes, the crowds were overcome. Afraid. And then glorified God who had given such authority to men.
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Love your neighbour. Seek justice. Show kindness. Walk humbly with your God. A life worth living.
Georgia Brock
Matthew 9:2-8
And just then some people were carrying a paralyzed man lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.” Then some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” But Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven’, or to say, ‘Stand up and walk’? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”–he then said to the paralytic–“Stand up, take your bed and go to your home.” And he stood up and went to his home. When the crowds saw it, they were filled with awe, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to human beings.
From the emerging knowledge of the still young social science psychology, we might put a different spin on the state of the paralyzed man, lying on a bed, and brought to Jesus by some people, his friends.
This man could be suffering from a deep, deep depression. Paralyzed by loss of self, loss of life purpose, loss of worthiness, loss of any sense of direction.
Whatever had seized his mind, in biblical days might be thought of as sin, for want of a better concept.
We are the same people now as in biblical days, with just some different sets of beliefs based on the knowledge of the times.
Jesus saw the faith of the people who brought the man. We see people of faith amongst us now. When Jesus spoke reassuringly, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven,” the scribes, conventional fonts of wisdom, took exception and called Jesus blasphemous.
We know people who read other people. Jesus was one of those, and challenged the scribes for thinking evil thoughts, conventional wisdom. To me this is an example of people being opinionated. They have not considered the circumstances and thought out an opinion as a guide to follow. Jesus had. With confidence he spoke his belief that the man, upon hearing the sincerity and depth of Jesus words and confidence, felt the presence of Someone who was reaching him, suggesting he had worth, a sense of direction, a life purpose before him, and a sense of self.
So, when Jesus said, “Rise, take up your bed and go home.” He rose and went home.
Yes, the crowds were overcome. Afraid. And then glorified God who had given such authority to men.
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Love your neighbour. Seek justice. Show kindness. Walk humbly with your God. A life worth living.
Georgia Brock
