Have you ever thought about what your greatest need is? Our greatest need is forgiveness. We may think about our physical needs of food, water and shelter. Although those are great needs, throughout our life our greatest need is spiritual.
When we think of food, Jesus is calls Himself the bread of life. Jesus is not only food but water, living water. When we think of shelter we think of the Lord as our refuge. Psalm 91:2 This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. [1]
Forgiveness Opens the Door of Eternal Life
When Jesus was crucified, there were two criminals that were crucified with Him. Both criminals knew when the sun went down, they would not be alive. One criminal’s heart softened as he was nailed on the cross and he cried out to Jesus. Based on Scripture, that criminal repented and was forgiven. His entire eternity was changed in one day.
Luke 23:39 One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!” 40 But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? 41 We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” 43 And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” [2]
The Paralyzed Man Greatest Need was to be Forgiven
The paralyzed man’s friends probably assumed their friend’s greatest need was physical healing. Jesus knew that his greatest need was to be forgiven. Physical healing is only temporary, physical healing is eternal.
Luke 5:19Then they lowered the sick man on his mat down into the crowd, right in front of Jesus. 20 Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the man, “Young man, your sins are forgiven.” [3]
We, too, have a Need to be Forgiven
Are you burdened by sin? If you don’t know Jesus, confess your sins and ask Jesus to be your Lord and Savior. If you are a believer and have unconfessed sins, the Holy Spirit is prompting you right now to confess them so you can be forgiven. There is no better feeling than to know that Jesus hears your prayers and forgives your sins. May the Lord’s peace fill your heart!
To hear how our greatest need is forgiveness, listen here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/seeking-the-lord-changes-my-life-paralyzed-man-friends
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.