People brought to him a man who was paralyzed, lying on a cot. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man who was paralyzed, “Be encouraged, my child, your sins are forgiven.” Some legal experts said among themselves, “This man is insulting God.” But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said, “Why do you fill your minds with evil things? Which is easier—to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? But so you will know that the Human One has authority on the earth to forgive sins”—he said to the man who was paralyzed—“Get up, take your cot, and go home.” The man got up and went home. When the crowds saw what had happened, they were afraid and praised God, who had given such authority to human beings. (Matthew 9:2-8, CEB)
The religious leaders were questioning Jesus’ authority. So Jesus showed all around that not only is it easy to forgive sin, but he also has the power to heal. But this is not the most interesting thing about this text for me today.
Did the paralyzed man ask to be healed or for his sins to be forgiven? No. Nor did any of those who brought him. Jesus saw the faith of those who brought him because they had faith that Jesus could heal him, and because of that, Jesus forgave him and healed him. It wasn’t the man’s faith but the faith of the community. It is not my faith, but the faith of the community.
Those in power in the community want to keep those who are inferior in places of control. If the community works together then those in power will not have that power anymore and that is a place of fear. When the faith of others builds up the community, those in power will be in a place to possibly lose that power. Because we are all in the body together and no one is greater than another.
Do not be afraid, but build each other up. That is what God wants. Love to be freely shared.
Loving People. Loving God.
aSacredRebel 