Scripture:
Luke 5:17-26 (English Standard Version)
Jesus Heals a Paralytic
17On one of those days, as he was teaching, Pharisees and(A) teachers of the law were sitting there, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem. And(B) the power of the Lord was with him to heal.[a] 18(C) And behold, some men were bringing(D) on a bed a man who was paralyzed, and they were seeking to bring him in and lay him before Jesus, 19but finding no way to bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on(E) the roof and let him down with his bed(F) through the tiles into the midst before Jesus. 20And(G) when he saw their faith, he said, "Man,(H) your sins are forgiven you." 21And the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, saying, "Who is this who speaks(I) blasphemies?(J) Who can forgive sins but God alone?" 22When Jesus(K) perceived their thoughts, he answered them, "Why do you question in your hearts? 23Which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven you,' or to say, 'Rise and walk'? 24But that you may know that(L) the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins"—he said to the man who was paralyzed—"I say to you, rise, pick up your bed and go home." 25And immediately he rose up before them and picked up what he had been lying on and went home,(M) glorifying God. 26And amazement seized them all, and they(N) glorified God and were filled with awe, saying, "We have seen extraordinary things today."
Footnotes:
Luke 5:17 Some manuscripts was present to heal them
Cross references:
Luke 5:17 : Luke 2:46; Acts 5:34; 1 Tim 1:7 (Gk); Matt 22:35
Luke 5:17 : Luke 8:46
Luke 5:18 : For Luke 5:18-26, Matt 9:2-8; Mark 2:3-12
Luke 5:18 : Mark 6:55
Luke 5:19 : Deut 22:8; 1 Sam 9:25; Neh 8:16; Matt 10:27; 24:17; Acts 10:9
Luke 5:19 : Mark 2:4
Luke 5:20 : Luke 7:9, 50; 17:19; 18:42; Matt 8:10, 13; 9:22, 29; 15:28; Mark 10:52; Acts 3:16; 14:9; James 5:15
Luke 5:20 : Luke 7:48; John 5:14
Luke 5:21 : Matt 26:65; John 10:36
Luke 5:21 : Psalm 32:5; Isa 43:25
Luke 5:22 : John 2:25
Luke 5:24 : Luke 6:5
Luke 5:25 : Luke 7:16
Reflection:
What cripples the mind and heart and stiffles the healing power of love? Sin and unforgiveness for certain! Sin cripples us more than any physical ailment can. Sin is the work of the kingdom of darkness and it holds us in eternal bondage. There is only one solution and that is the healing, cleansing power of Jesus' forgiveness. Jesus' treatment of sinners upset the religious teachers of the day. When a cripple was brought to Jesus because of the faith of his friends, Jesus did the unthinkable. He first forgave the man his sins. The scribes regarded this as blasphemy because they understood that only God had authority to forgive sins and to unbind a man or woman from their burden of guilt. Jesus claimed an authority which only God could rightfully give. Jesus not only proved that his authority came from God, he showed the great power of God's redeeming love and mercy by healing the cripple of his physical ailment. This man had been crippled not only physically, but spiritually as well. Jesus freed him from his burden of guilt and restored his body as well. The Lord is every ready to bring us healing of body, mind, and soul. His grace brings us freedom from the power of sin and from bondage to harmful desires and addictions. Do you allow anything to keep you from Jesus' healing power?
Prayer For The Day:
Lord Jesus, through your merciful love and forgiveness you bring healing and restoration to body, soul, and mind. May your healing power and love touch every area of my life -- my innermost thoughts, feelings, attitudes, and memories. Pardon my offences and transform me in the power of your Holy Spirit that I may walk confidently in your truth and righteousness.
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