Slices
Prepare
Pray for a friend or family member, that they may appreciate God’s blessings today and be encouraged.
Bible passage
Jesus forgives and heals a paralysed man
9 Jesus stepped into a boat, crossed over and came to his own town. 2 Some men brought to him a paralysed 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 paralysed 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.
Explore
There is no suggestion of faith from the paralysed man. The friends carry his burden in more than one way. Their commitment to deliver him to Jesus indicates their physical and spiritual care for him. Jesus honours that and attends to their friend (vs 2–7).
Jesus sees the paralysed man’s deeper need. Notice how Jesus addresses him (v 2), how tender and accepting his words are (v 5). Jesus offers forgiveness rather than physical healing: forgiveness that reveals grace and mercy; forgiveness that enables him to get up and walk home (v 7).
Notice the contrast with the Pharisees (v 3). They show no recognition of the paralysed man’s suffering. Nor Jesus’ love and grace. Jesus even explains that he wants the Pharisees to know he is the Son of Man who can forgive sin (v 6). Sadly, their minds are so closed to the possibility, they cannot entertain anything beyond condemning Jesus.
The paralysed man walks home! Exposed to God’s love, his life changes radically. God’s love is being revealed to him. As we care for others in their need, we have the privilege of making God known for his love for all through our care.
Respond
Ask God to bring someone to your heart who needs connection. Begin an achievable care commitment to them. What can you offer? A regular phone call or coffee? Pickings from the garden? A dog walk? A letterbox chat? A weekly prayer?
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Numbers 17–19; Acts 19
Pray for Scripture Union
Pray for Mission partner The Lighthouse Project (Crawley) as they present Easter Explored to hundreds of primary school children this month. Pray that as the children immerse themselves in the Easter story, they will understand that it is good news for them.
