Matthew 9:1-2

New International Version

Jesus stepped into a boat, crossed over and came to his own town. Some men brought to him a paralyzed man, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.”

For Encouragement

You who are weary or burdened this morning, hear the Lord of all the earth invite you into these comforting words of His: Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven (Matt. 9:2). Do this with humble expectation and find relief and healing for your soul. As you do, picture yourself in the secret place of the Most High, abiding in the shadow of the Almighty (Psa. 91:1). That rest is what Christ is calling you into

These may be the most soothing words from the One who towers above all creation, mightier than any power in the universe. They warm the heart and soothe the soul: Take heart, [child]… Do you get it?

If you don’t find it soothing and restful, with healing in its wings, tell it not to the paralytic whose friends lowered him through the roof to Jesus in Capernaum (Matt. 9:1-8). They trusted Jesus’ healing power and compassion. Joyful expectation led them to defy the crowd and bring their friend to Jesus!

Looking through sanctified eyes, I see the dust-covered, paralyzed man on the mat. Debris is all over the place, maybe even on the Master. I can see Jesus look up and see the friends gazing down, grinning with pride and anticipation for His reaction. A silence like eternity passed. Suddenly, the gentle voice of the Creator and Healer spoke to the paralytic before Him, with cupped hands and an open, pleading mouth: Take heart, son…  

Oh, the power in the One who spoke all into being! Amazing, for He called me son. Can you feel  the impact? His heart heard Jesus say, “Calm down, son. Let your anxious heart rest in Me.” That melted him like butter.

No one had ever spoken to the paralytic like that. He immediately knew he had put his faith in the right Person and was in the right place. He would not go home as he had come. The Lord’s presence overwhelmed him. He absorbed the rest of the message: …”your sins are forgiven.“

What? Jesus, I came for healing—why mention my sins? The teachers of the law thought the same, charging Jesus with blasphemy (v.3). But Jesus had not finished with the paralytic. He turned and said, “Get up, take your mat and go home” (6).

That’s it! Healing flowed from the Master’s command. The paralytic got up, took his mat, and went home. Amazement swept through the room, and in awe, they praised God (7). Joy filled the paralytic and his friends!

So, do you have a problem? Have you come to Jesus with your burdens and faith? Is it a broken marriage, a wayward child, a job at risk, an irritating boss, a business loss, or a bad medical report? How desperate are you?

Your word for the day from the Lord is: Take heart, son/daughter. I have already handled your sins and failures, and I will take care of your current problem because I love you. Trust that I am in control.

You are so blessed, my friend! Now, trust in His grace, receive His solution, and give Him praise today. Amen.

Pray with Me

Dear God, I praise you for your Son’s healing power in my life. Please continue to amaze me with your warm, soothing words. Calm the storms in my heart and mind. May your peace, which transcends understanding, keep my heart and mind in Christ Jesus, my Lord. Amen!  

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