A Greater Healing

A Greater Healing

“Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’?” Mark 2:9

You’ve probably heard the story of the paralyzed man and his four friends who brought him to Jesus because they heard that Jesus might be able to heal him. They couldn’t get to Jesus because the house he was in was too crowded with others who had also come to see him. So, the men dug a hole in the roof and lowered their crippled friend down in front of Jesus.

But Jesus didn’t initially offer him the healing he was seeking; instead, he offered him a greater healing. Mark 2:5 tells us, “When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” He didn’t say, “Get up and walk, you’re healed.” Jesus did something far greater—he healed him spiritually, and for eternity.

This was not lost on the religious leaders who were present, and they thought: “Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” (Mark 2:7) Knowing what they were thinking Jesus replied with the words in the verse above: “Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’?” Then he said: “But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all.” (Mark 2:10-12a)

By this double miracle Jesus did more than help the paralyzed man physically; he also demonstrated that he was God, for only God can forgive sins. And that’s the greater healing we should be seeking when we pray for our family and friends.

Are you praying for the greater miracle when you pray for your family and friends?