In our story, Jesus does the unexpected. People were in a house listening to Jesus preach, but suddenly, a hole began to open in the roof above them. Four men lowered their paralyzed friend in front of Jesus. But. Jesus was not irritated with this incident. Luke 5: 20 Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the man, “Young man, your sins are forgiven.” [1] This would have been a surprising statement since everyone there would have expected Jesus to simply heal the man.
Jesus had gone around the whole area preaching and healing. Matthew 4: 23 Jesus traveled throughout the region of Galilee, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. 24 News about him spread as far as Syria, and people soon began bringing to him all who were sick. And whatever their sickness or disease, or if they were demon possessed or epileptic or paralyzed—he healed them all.[2]
Healing Was a Means to an End
The Apostle John tells us that Jesus was God in the flesh that had come to earth. John 1: 14 So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.[3]
How was Jesus to let the public and Jewish leadership know who He was? Miracles and healing were the means He used to show God’s glory had come down. These events were a sign of Jesus’ identity. He also healed out of compassion for the people. There was little medical care, and out of His love for them, the healing alleviated some of their suffering.
The man obviously needed physical healing, but Jesus could also see that he needed spiritual healing. Jesus does the unexpected as an opportunity in front of Jewish leadership to demonstrate His authority to forgive. This was unexpected, and the Pharisees and scribes noticed immediately. It was not what they had anticipated.
Set Aside Preconceived Notions
Often, we have expectations of what God should do in our lives. But many times, Jesus does the unexpected. How do we react in these times? If we focus on our expectations, we often accuse God of failing us. How could God allow a tragedy? I have known people who have walked away from their faith in situations like this.
God never promises that we will not have trouble, but He does promise to be with us in every situation. Isaiah 41: 10 Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.[4] God can use the situations in this sinful world to build our faith.
If God has not met your expectations, perhaps it is time to set those aside. God desires a personal relationship with you. This is possible because of what Jesus did on the cross. Jesus has the authority to forgive sins because He has already paid the price for those sins. As you spend time with God in prayer, Scripture, and worship, you will begin to know Him better. Just as a relationship between people takes time, so does our relationship with our God.
To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/a-paralytic-healed
[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.