Taking God out of the box is often challenging, especially for adults. Perhaps this is something you are struggling with. As adults, we like to use reason to figure things out, but faith is not like that. Hebrews 11:1 Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.[1]
Martin Luther King defines faith as taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.[2] The Pharisees and the teachers of the religious leaders were people of deep religious knowledge, but many lacked faith and spiritual discernment. When Jesus came into their midst, these religious leaders did not seek out Jesus to get to know Him but were often offended by what He did. In many ways, their minds were closed, and they could not believe God Himself was standing in front of them.
Limiting God
Several men carried their paralyzed friend to see Jesus. But when they came to the house He was ministering, it was too crowded to get in. With this obstacle in front of them, these men of faith took their friend up on the roof and removed the tiles. 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]
How would these religious leaders react to Jesus’ statement? Luke 5:21 But the Pharisees and teachers of religious law said to themselves, “Who does he think he is? That’s blasphemy! Only God can forgive sins!”[4] Unfortunately, we can also put God in a box, bringing Him down to our level and expectations.
Jesus Shows His Authority Through Miracles
Luke 5:22 Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he asked them, “Why do you question this in your hearts? 23 Is it easier to say ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Stand up and walk’? 24 So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!” [5]
Jesus confronted the religious leaders with their faulty thinking when He healed the paralyzed man. Would they take a step of faith and humble themselves before Jesus, recognizing Him as the Messiah? How about you? Is the Lord challenging you to look at Him differently?
When God confronts people with the miraculous, they are stunned that He still does miracles today. The greatest miracle we can experience is the gift of faith. Like a good parent, the Lord does not stop there but continually works to help us grow and mature in faith.
To learn about taking God out of the box, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/a-paralytic-healed
[1,2-5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.