Daily Word Of God
Matthew 9:1-8
Some people brought Jesus a paralytic stretched out on a bed. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralytic, ‘Take comfort, my child, your sins are forgiven.’ And now some scribes said to themselves, ‘This man is being blasphemous.’
Knowing what was in their minds Jesus said, ‘Why do you have such wicked thoughts in your hearts? Now, which of these is easier: to say, “Your sins are forgiven,” or to say, “Get up and walk”? But to prove to you that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins,’ – then he said to the paralytic – ‘get up, pick up your bed and go off home.’
And the man got up and went home. A feeling of awe came over the crowd when they saw this, and they praised God for having given such authority to human beings.
Today's Pointers on God's Word
As you read the passage what words, phases or meanings caught your attention?
- In Palestine, during the time of Jesus, everyone strongly believed that all illnesses were caused by sin, and no illness could be cured until the sins were forgiven. And, only God can forgive sins.
- Jesus proved to the crowd that He could forgive the sins of the sick man by curing his illness.
- Do we also focus too much on ourselves, our desires, our opinions, our points of view so much so that we miss Gospel Truth that is being preached and the Church’s Teachings? Bring these thoughts into prayer. Listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.