1 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.
Years ago Harvey Penick was a caddy at the Austin Country Club. As he watched professional and amateurs golf he would get ideas and take out a little Red book and jot down pointers in golf. Throughout the years he thought he would pass on these tips to his son. He never intended to publish it, but at the request of someone he contacted a publisher. They called with an offer of several thousand dollars, but Harvey expressed concern that he did not have that much money to get it published. That was when they told him they would pay him. He was shocked. He could not believe it. He got more than he bargained for. Today the Little Red Book by Harvey Penick is one of the most popular basic golf tip books on the market.
Have you gone to the store or purchased an item thinking it would cost a certain amount, but you come back with much more than you bargained for?
I will continue with nuggets from former sermons from Matthew, but will borrow from passages from the other Gospels since I did not preach through this book entirely. Mark’s Gospel chapter 2 tells of a man with paralysis who is brought by his friends to see if Jesus would heal him. Jesus used the friends of this paralytic man to demonstrate His glory. Jesus recognized the faith of friends of the needy. They serve as examples to us.
The large crowds that followed Jesus in His earthly ministry expected their daily, physical needs be met. Whether the need was healing, miracles, or simply the daily bread needed for life. I am convicted at times over my selfish prayers when in fact I am blessed in so many areas by the mercy of God. How often do we seek more blessings without ever considering the needs of the lost outside of the saving grace of Jesus? Are we so different than the crowds that followed Jesus simply for what He could do for them. His grace continues to amaze me.
Application: When has God surprised you with something far greater than you imagined? Have you made a prayer request only to find it was answered in a different and greater way? How might you be prepared to receive God surprises?
Jesus used the friends of this paralytic man to demonstrate His glory. Jesus recognized the faith of friends of the needy. They serve as examples to us.
Prayer: O Lord, we stand in awe. We are awestruck by Your Grace and we sing, "Your grace so free washes over me, You have made me new. My life begins in You". You are the author and finisher of my faith. You will do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine. This is my belief and this is my prayer.
