Jesus knew they were thinking this. So Jesus said, "Why are you thinking such evil thoughts? The Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins. But how can I prove this to you? Maybe you are thinking it was easy for me to say, 'Your sins are forgiven.'
{No one could see if it really happened.} But what if I say to the man, 'Stand up and walk'? Then you will be able to see that I really have this power." So Jesus said to the paralyzed man, "Stand up. Take your mat and go home." And the man stood up and went home. The people saw this and they were amazed. The people praised God for giving power like this to people.
- Matthew 9:4-8 (ERV)
THOUGHT:
Jesus has authority! All authority! Not just on the earth, but in heaven. While we may be amazed at the miracles of Jesus -- his power over nature, his power over disease, his power over death, and his power over sin are of ultimate importance to us.
He can liberate us from sin's hold and set us free. We can be forgiven, cleansed and delivered from sin. While giving a paralytic back his ability to walk is amazing, giving us forgiveness of sin is saving!
PRAYER:
Almighty God, thank you for sending Jesus to be the atoning sacrifice for my sin. Thank you that you loved me so much that you emptied heaven of your sinless Son so he could be the ransom for my sin. Thank you that I can stand before you without spot or blemish and be free from any accusation, holy in your sight, because of Jesus' forgiveness. It is in Jesus precious name I pray. Amen.
Related Scriptures:
Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me".-Matt. 28:18
7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace
8 that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.- Eph. 1:7-8
13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.- Col. 1:13-14
