Forgiveness and Healing

This morning I was reading from Matt 9 and thinking about the issue of forgiveness, as its seen in these verses.


(NIV)Matthew 9:1-8 Jesus stepped into a boat, crossed over and came to his own town. [2] Some men brought to him a paralyzed man, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.” [3] At this, some of the teachers of the law said to themselves, “This fellow is blaspheming!” [4] Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, “Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts? [5] Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? [6] But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the paralyzed man, “Get up, take your mat and go home.” [7] Then the man got up and went home. [8] When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe; and they praised God, who had given such authority to man. 


Earlier Jesus was speaking about forgiveness during the sermon on the mount, and specifically addressed it in the Lord's prayer. We are called to forgive those that have sinned against us, and the Father will forgive our sins. 


(NIV)Matthew 6:14-15 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. [15] But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. 


In the story about the paralyzed man, Jesus, spurred on by the friends' faith, forgives the paralyzed man's sins. Jesus had laid the ground work of understanding forgiveness earlier, and now is clearly demonstrating this reality. His authority on earth, is a representation of the Father's authority. Its clear that Jesus understood where this conversation was going to go with the Pharisees standing around, speaking forgiveness was going to elicit crys of blasphemy, yet He gladly went there to show He was from the Father.


Its also interesting how in this story Jesus links forgiveness and healing, the latter proving the authority to do the former. There is a parallel verse in Psalms 103:3 (see below) and Jesus demonstrates its fulfillment here, but clearly is not limited by the order of forgiveness and then healing, nor is he setting a precedent, as in many healings there is no mention of forgiveness, just the healing. James 5:15 talks about healing first, then forgiveness. Whatever the case its a glorious day for the young man! 


(NIV)Psalm 103:1-5 Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. [2] Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits--- [3] who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, [4] who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, [5] who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. 


Lord, thank You that You extend both healing and forgiveness, and have the authority to do both here on earth.