Luke 5:17-26

The paralyzed man was not the star of the show, it wasn’t his faith that made a difference. He was merely the means used to display Jesus’ power. The friends were the ones with the faith. When he saw their faith, Jesus said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven you.” Luke 5:20  What? This isn’t what they were expecting or hoping for. They wanted their friend to be cured. 

Yet, somehow, breaking through the roof demonstrated faith. Faith is a complete trust and confidence in something or someone. Their faith rested on the relationship and love they shared with one another. They would be the legs of this friend, he could count on that.  

This commitment to loving their friend is what impressed Jesus. This man didn’t need physical healing, he would always be carried in love. Jesus instead gave him an inner healing – hope, a sense of belonging to God’s family and a spiritual cleansing. 

***

Then the scribes and Pharisees began to question, “Who is this who is speaking blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone? When Jesus perceived their questionings, he answered them, “Why do you raise such questions in your hearts? Which is  easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you’, or to say, ‘Stand up and walk?’ But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins – he said to the one who was paralyzed – “I say to you, stand up and take up your bed and go to your  home.” Immediately he stood up, took what he had been lying on, and went to his home glorifying God. Luke 5:22-25

The paralytic needed spiritual healing, Jesus gave it. He then offered the scribes what they needed, proof of his authority to forgive sins through his healing power.

Notice the efficiency of God, in offering the scribes what they needed, the paralyzed man received his legs! 

Whose legs are you? Does your faith carry wounded people as you go, just so they won’t be left behind? Who are your legs? Will you trust God to give what is needed, not what you think is needed?