2: This is the story in which those who brought this man to Jesus broke up the roof to get the man before Jesus because of the throng of people in and outside of the house. This man was either the victim of a form of palsy, or had been paralyzed due to some injury. In either case, the condition was obviously severe, since he was unable to move about on his own.
Matthew here refers to the faith of an unidentified ‘they’ without filling in the details. However, from the accounts of Mark and Luke, it is obvious that he is referring to those who brought the paralytic, and to the man himself. In response to this faith, Jesus forgives the man’s sins. Some may object that the man was brought to Jesus for healing, not for forgiveness of sins. Only one thing need be said in response to that – the paralytic had no objections.
Daily Bible Reading: Malachi 4:1-Matthew 4:25
Daily Memory Verse: 1 John 1:1 “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled of the Word of life;”
Daily Tidbit: The work of world missions is one of the strongest testimonies for Christ in this world. Knowing that those who love Christ will brave the difficulties of living in dismal conditions voluntarily, and for no profit but souls, is a benefit to the hardest of hearts. And yet, the numbers of persons from this country surrendering to the mission fields of the world continues to decline. We must ask the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers into the harvest, and we must be willing to go ourselves.
Praise Journal: Heavenly Father, You are so worthy of our praise! How glad I am that You forgive sins! Being healed of sickness is great, but being free from sin, that is truly amazing! Your plan of salvation is masterful and perfect. No person is left out. Grace through faith is such a wonderful message for this lost world. Why anyone would not want Your grace is truly a mystery to us. You know everything though. We trust You and depend upon You. Lord, You are worth knowing and loving. May we live to love You more each and every day. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.
Prayer Journal Highlights: Pray for a man recovering from a heart attack. Pray for a woman recovering from a stroke. Pray for a family who just lost a young mother.
Personal Journal Entry #12273