Today's Passage - Matthew 9:1-8

Matthews 9:1-8 Jesus stepped into a boat, crossed over and came to his own town. Some men brought to him a paralytic, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven." At this, some of the teachers of the law said to themselves, "This fellow is blaspheming!" Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, "Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts? Which is easier: to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk'? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins . . ." Then he said to the paralytic, "Get up, take your mat and go home." And the man got up and went home. When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe; and they praised God, who had given such authority to men. When the Lord healed that paralytic, there was a great debate among Pharisees and teachers of the law, because the Lord didn't say "Your illness is healed."  Instead, The Lord said, "Your sins are forgiven."  It was very puzzling to Pharisees and teachers of the law because only God can forgive one's sin. Was Jesus God? But Jesus asked them whether it was easier to heal one or to forgive one's sin. From people's perspective, neither was easy. But because Jesus was God's son, both were easy. Then Jesus said to the paralytic again, "Take your mat and go home." This time he did not say your sins were forgiven. When Jesus forgave one's sin, that person's illness were healed as well. Both were done at the same time. Our understanding of Jesus is often not complete. When the Lord was on earth, He not only preached the word of God, but also healed sick people.  When the Lord sent disciples out two at a time, He asked them to not only preach the word of God, but also heal sick people. When the Lord gave the great command to church, the Gospel of Matthews says to preach the word of God. The Gospel of Mark says to lay hands on sick people, so that those who were sick can be healed. Throughout Lord's life, He preached both God's word and performed healing. To the Lord, forgiving someone's sins was as important as healing the diseases. To Pharisees, they had no problem with Jesus healing sick people. But they were full of doubt about His authority of forgiving sins. Today, we are the opposite. We don't have problem with Jesus's authority of forgiving sins, but are full of doubts of the Lord's authority of healing.     The Lord will ask us the same question: 'Which is easier, to forgive his sins or to heal his sickness?' From a man's perspective, neither is easy. From the Lord's perspective, nothing is too hard for Him. Let us come to God with a humble heart, allowing him to do His wonderful work on us. Prayer with Pastor Tong Liu, Lord, we thank you and we ask that you lay hands on our brothers and sisters. Forgive our sins once more. Heal our sickness, so that our hearts turn back to you. May we lift your name high in our daily life and give you all the glory. I thank you and I pray in the victorious name of Jesus Christ, Amen!        Shekinah Glory - ROLCC Building Expansion Project - Follow us on our Facebook page!