He'll Heal Deeper Matters.

Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, “Why are you thinking these things? Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? 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. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!” (Mark 2:8-12 NIV)

Wow!  Everyone is amazed at what Jesus did for this man.   From reading this, it seems they were more impressed with his ability to physically heal.   I am more amazed at his willingness to spiritually heal.  Even more, that his is willing, able and has healed me.   The display of physical power was just to show that he already have all power to do it all.   He forgives sin, and he heals the flesh. 

Thank you, Lord for all you do!

Healing of Forgiveness

A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” (Mark 2:1-5 NIV)

I love this passage.  During this morning's re-read, it struck me that God sees the true need and heals where it is needed most, the heart.  This man's main problem was that he was spiritually lame.  But God healed that before he healed his physical body.   The love God has for this man, he has for us as well.  Are we willing to do what it takes to seek God's forgiveness, even if it means we need a little help along the way to do it?

Jesus Amazes in New Ways!

Jesus knew immediately what they were thinking, so he asked them, “Why do you question this in your hearts? Is it easier to say to the paralyzed man ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk’? So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!” And the man jumped up, grabbed his mat, and walked out through the stunned onlookers. They were all amazed and praised God, exclaiming, “We’ve never seen anything like this before!” (Mark 2:8-12 NLT)

The question for us is does he still do amazing things?  Do we have Jesus put in our religious box that doesn't allow for him to work?  Is it possible the Jesus is behind more things that happen than we realize or will acknowledge?

Something to think about.

Trinity

As Jesus came up out of the water, he saw the heavens splitting apart and the Holy Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice from heaven said, “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.” (Mark 1:10, 11 NLT)

A rare occurrence where you can see the three personalities of God in one place in separate form.   The voice of the Father, the Spirit of God in the form of the dove, and. The  Son of God in the form of human.

I just thought this was cool.

Following Him Outside Our Comfort Zones

Matthew 9: 9-13

When it comes to the activities and people Jesus chooses, we find him in the home of sinners having dinner. The religious people did not understand what Jesus was doing. After all he picks a tax collector to be one of his closest companions. They are known to be crooked in their handling of taxes. 

When I look at the way many of our church activities are lined up, I see a lot of hanging out with the healthy or the righteous. From reading this passage, it looks like the Pharisees thought much like we do. So they ask his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with sinners?" Jesus heard them and answered. His response is one that should grab our attention, especially if we have no part of our time set aside for offering mercy to those around us. 

This takes us out of our comfort zone. If we are going to be like Jesus, then we need to realize that Jesus wants to heal, feed, bless, and save those who are broken, hungry, without hope, and lost. 

I for one need to be better about this.