Gospel

More Than What Was Asked For

by Roland Crim
09/13/16
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“On one of the days while Jesus was teaching, some proud religious law-keepers and teachers of the Law were sitting by Him. They had come from every town in the countries of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem. The power of the Lord was there to heal them. Some men took a man who was not able to move his body to Jesus. He was carried on a bed. They looked for a way to take the man into the house where Jesus was. But they could not find a way to take him in because of so many people. They made a hole in the roof over where Jesus stood. Then they let the bed with the sick man on it down before Jesus. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the man, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.”

 The teachers of the Law and the proud religious law-keepers thought to themselves, “Who is this Man Who speaks as if He is God? Who can forgive sins but God only?” Jesus knew what they were thinking. He said to them, “Why do you think this way in your hearts? Which is easier to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or, ‘Get up and walk’?

 “So that you may know the Son of Man has the right and the power on earth to forgive sins,” He said to the man who could not move his body, “I say to you, get up. Take your bed and go to your home.” At once the sick man got up in front of them. He took his bed and went to his home thanking God. All those who were there were surprised and gave thanks to God, saying, “We have seen very special things today.” (Luke 5:17:26).

The men who brought the paralyzed man to Jesus must have really loved the man. They persisted in finding a way to get this paralyzed man in front of Jesus. They evidently knew in their heart that Jesus could heal their friend.

Let’s look now at what Jesus did for the paralyzed man. First, He forgave the man of his sins. This was more important than taking away his paralysis. Jesus always considers what is most important in the situation at hand. Do we often feel we are not being provided what we need when in reality what we are blessed with by the Trinity is truly more of a blessing?

 Jesus taught a lesson in healing this man. He showed that He had the power to forgive sins by healing this man. What a beautiful and loving teaching this is from our Lord.

 Just as Jesus gave to this man more than had been asked for, He gives more to all who ask than what is asked for.