Verse: Matthew 9:6-8
“But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—then He said to the paralytic, “Get up, take your mat and go home.” And he got up and went home. When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe; and they praised God, who had given such authority to man.” (Matthew 9:6-8)
Devotion:
Wow. These verses are powerful verses. We witness a PROFOUND demonstration of Jesus’ authority—not just over physical ailments, but over the very nature of sin and forgiveness. The story highlights two key aspects of Christ’s ministry: His compassion for those in need and His divine authority as the Son of Man.
The paralytic’s journey to healing began with the recognition of his deeper need—one that transcended physical healing. Jesus first addresses the man’s sinfulness, proclaiming forgiveness before restoring his physical ability. This sequence is significant; it illustrates that our spiritual health is of the most importance to God. Jesus came not only to heal our bodies but to restore our souls.
As the crowd observes this miracle, their reaction is one of awe and praise. They recognize the divine authority that Jesus possesses, and their response serves as a reminder of the posture of our hearts should be in when witnessing God’s work. When we encounter the miraculous, whether in our lives or the lives of others, our natural response should be one of worship and gratitude.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for being the ever dependable source of our healing and forgiveness. Even when everything around us is changing, Your character never does. Help me to recognize my own need for Your grace and to bring my burdens before You. Help me to never lose sight of the authority You hold over my life and my circumstances. As I witness Your works, change my heart to respond with awe and praise, just as the crowd did. Teach me to share this good news with others, so they too can experience Your love and restoration. We love you Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Extension:
Take a moment to reflect on areas in your life where you need healing—physically, emotionally, or spiritually. Bring these before the Lord, and trust in His authority to forgive and to restore. spend some time just talking to Your Father and listening to what He has to say to You. Make time to be still before Him. How can you respond in awe and praise today for His work in your life?
Author: Becca Artymenko
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