Jesus knew what they were thinking, and said, “Why do you harbor evil thoughts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’ ”?
The scribes who say that Jesus is blaspheming by saying to the paralytic “your sins are forgiven” don’t believe that Jesus is the Son of God. Compared to the people who brought the paralytic to Jesus, who do have faith, they are critical of him and his ability to heal physical and spiritual illnesses.
God, help me understand how you work among your people. Among the stories of Jesus healing people, they come to him, almost always reaching out for him. That is to say, the Divine Physician does not force himself on us. “When Jesus saw their faith. . . .”
God, I believe; help my unbelief. I know you want me to come to you and ask anything in your name. Teach me to call you to mind throughout the day.
Jesus crossed the sea to meet the people in a boat, the church. I will make many crossings today to meet others. Will I judge or be forgiving? Will I harm or heal?