Jesus is bold in today’s passage claiming Divine authority while demonstrating exactly what kind of renewing and restoring are a part of his Kingdom. He asserts his ability to restore us physically and spiritually. Praise God that He cares to renew all things fully!
Matthew 9:1-8
And getting into a boat he crossed over and came to his own city. 2And behold, some people brought to him a paralytic, lying on a bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.” 3 And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” 4 But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? 5 For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? 6 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he then said to the paralytic—“Rise, pick up your bed and go home.” 7 And he rose and went home. 8 When the crowds saw it, they were afraid, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to men.
[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?
+ Why does Jesus heal the paralyzed man? (v. 2)
+ What does he say to the man? Does this answer the man’s problem? (2)
+ To blaspheme is to speak irreverently of God, claim authority only He can possess, to disrespect him. (v. 3) What assumption do the scribes make about Jesus that leads them to think he is blaspheming?
+ How does Jesus respond? What does he mean? How are these 2 ideas related? (v.4-6)
+ Why would Jesus call himself the Son of Man as he does divine things? What might he be emphasizing? Consider Daniel 7 for extra study.
+ How do the crowds respond? (8)
[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?
+ Is there a sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?
+ Who am I most like in this story, the paralytic, his friends, the scribe? Do I need to change something in my view of Jesus?
[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?
+ What is my next step?
+ Am I bringing my friends who are physically and spiritually sick before Jesus in faith?