Daily Reflections
Luke 5:17-26
Luke gives us a graphic account of one of Jesus’ healings. He describes the crowds around the house where Jesus was, the men climbing on the roof and letting their friend down, Jesus’ debate with the Pharisees, and his dramatic command to the paralysed man to get up and walk.
The paralytic’s friends must have had great faith in Jesus, since they were determined enough not to be put off by obstacles. If they had not been sure that Jesus could help, they would not have taken so much trouble to get to him. Jesus was impressed by their faith and persistence. However, his first words may surprise us: instead of telling the man he was physically healed, he told him his sins were forgiven. Jesus knew that this man needed forgiveness even more than physical healing. However, he did not ignore the physical illness: when the Pharisees challenged him, he told the man to get up and walk. Anyone can say the words ‘Your sins are forgiven’, but only someone with authority from God can tell a paralysed man to get up and walk.
We are as much in need of healing as the paralytic, even though our needs may not be so obvious. Jesus wants to bring us all healing and forgiveness, but we have to approach him in faith and ask. In our case, too, our greatest need is to have our sins forgiven, and Jesus will not turn us away if we turn to him with repentant hearts. Like the paralytic’s friends, we may have to show the determination to overcome obstacles, but if we understand our need for Jesus nothing will keep us from him.
The crowds were amazed by the miracle and gave praise to God. Familiarity with the gospel stories can lead us to lose our sense of wonder at these miracles. In this holy season of Advent we can pray that we may have something of the feeling of these crowds as we ponder the great works of God. It is a wonderful miracle that we can turn to God and have our sins forgiven! Let us pray that we may be filled with excitement that Jesus has come into the world to save and heal, driving away darkness and bringing peace to our hearts. We can see remarkable miracles in our lives as we come before him in prayer.
Lord Jesus, we thank you for coming into the world to save sinners. This Advent, may we know more deeply the forgiveness of our sins and rejoice in your healing presence.
Isaiah 35:1-10 • Psalm 84(85): 9-14
Luke 5:17-26
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