Luke 5:17-26 Jesus Forgives and Heals a Paralyzed Man
REFLECTION
Bringing friends to Jesus
Jesus’ reputation had been established as both a profound teacher and a healer. Learned people had come far and wide to hear Jesus teach. Some were Pharisees no doubt planning on tripping him up, but many would have been genuinely curious to find out more. Debate was part of the tradition and still is today within the Jewish community. It would have been lively and far ranging. We can understand the allure of an exceptional speaker. Many of us travel not only within this country but are prepared to travel abroad to attend conferences and retreats. These encounters can be life changing and well worth the journey. Those who attended this “Conference” were not disappointed.
Jesus was aware of what the Pharisees were thinking. He had gone head-to-head with them many times. They were constantly challenging his authority to speak and act as he did. For them only God could say and do such things. To them Jesus was blasphemous. They did not recognise Jesus for who he was. The blind, the sinners and demon possessed all recognised him as the Son of God, the Messiah. To prove his point, he firstly forgives the sins of the man brought to him. Disease was considered to be a result of sin. He then proceeds to heal him of his infirmity. He proclaims by this action who he is. He dares the Pharisees to ignore the witness of their own eyes.
The man healed was overjoyed and went home rejoicing and praising God. It is difficult to describe the feeling when you are healed of an illness that is life limiting. Ecstatic, joyful, a lightness of the spirit, feeling able to achieve anything are just some of the emotions probably felt. The friends of the man Jesus healed would have experienced the similar emotions. All their effort had paid off. It was no mean feat getting their prone friend up a flight of stairs, digging through the roof and lowering him down. It showed determination and great love to do so.
We don’t know what sins the man had committed. He may not have committed any but rather been conditioned to believe that his illness was due to some sin committed. Whichever it was the burden was lifted. To be forgiven is profoundly moving. Guilt is a powerful emotion. Guilt can drive us to make amends with those we have wronged, seeking forgiveness. The most difficult to achieve though is when someone we have wronged has died. We are left feeling that there is no forgiveness to be had so we are left with the burden of guilt. Jesus however is the link between heaven and earth. There is no separation in him so as we admit our sins we can be truly forgiven.
Unforgiveness though can hold us prisoner. If we don’t let go we run the danger of being defined by the anger, frustration and even hatred that we harbour. Forgiveness frees us from these emotions. At the day of judgement God will deal with those who have not repented.
QUESTIONS
- Have you to your knowledge brought anyone to Jesus.
- Who do you love enough to bring to Jesus? How determined are you?
- Have you been on retreat or attended a conference which changed your life? Bring it to mind and relive the experience and what it meant to you.
- What questions do you want to ask Jesus?
- How easy do you find it to forgive others?
- Do you harbour unforgiveness towards anyone?
