Forgiveness Reaches the Deepest Need

“And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city. And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee. And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth. And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. And he arose, and departed to his house. But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.”

Matthew 9:1-8 KJV

The man's inability to walk was plain to everyone in the room. Jesus first addressed what could not be seen in the same way. His declaration of forgiveness brought the question of divine authority into the open, and the healing that followed supported His claim.

Read the passage carefully

We should not infer that every disability is caused by a particular personal sin. The passage does not authorize that judgment. It reveals the Son of man's authority to forgive sins and shows that physical restoration, wonderful as it is, does not replace reconciliation with God. Both the man and the watching crowd needed to understand who stood before them.

Our most urgent felt need may not be our deepest need. We can rightly seek relief from pain, assistance with a practical burden, and help for a damaged relationship while still needing the forgiveness only Christ can give. Do not postpone the gospel until life is more settled. Salvation is received through faith in the Saviour whose death and resurrection provide a sufficient answer to sin's guilt.