“And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, ‘Why do you think about evil your hearts? For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk?’” (St. Matthew 9:4-5)
In the name of Jesus. Amen. So, which is easier? Is it easier to say to the paralytic to, “Get up and walk,” or to say, “Your sins are forgiven?”
In many so-called Christian Churches, we are told that “get up and walk” is harder to say. They demand visible signs – healings, manifestations of the Spirit, tongues, or some power that will prove that God is really with us. “Besides,” they say, “ everybody knows that only God alone can forgive sins.”
What’s sad is that the world agrees, but for a different reason. Anyone can say that someone is forgiven by God. But, show me your signs and I’ll believe. Do something – raise the dead, still the storm, or heal the sick and then I’ll believe. But, the Scriptures are clear: even if someone comes back from the dead, they will not believe.
Jesus says that He heals the paralytic to prove that He can forgive sins. Jesus knows how we think, doesn’t He?
But, Jesus’ answer to the question is the opposite of how we think. To win the forgiveness He speaks to the paralytic, Christ must suffer. To earn the absolution spoken over the man, Jesus must be beaten, bruised, struck, mocked, and finally die. The cost of the paralytic’s salvation, the cost of your salvation and mine is the cross.
The crowd rejoices over the healing. But the man had been already made well by Christ before he could walk. Jesus forgave this man’s sins! God reconciled this man to Himself in Christ. Whatever else was said about the paralytic at that point – sick or well – he was a child of God.
The big miracle was not the one the crowd thought was so impressive. In fact, you see a miracle every Sunday! It’s easy to miss. Your pastor forgave your sins, “...in the stead and by the command of Jesus.” Everything you have ever done was forgiven in Holy Absolution – as certain and sure as Christ your dear Lord had spoken to you Himself! God makes you well by forgiving you all your sins in Absolution.
Which is easier – to forgive or heal? For the paralytic, Jesus healed the man’s illness to prove that He could forgive His sins. Jesus has forgiven your sins too. You are a child of God. No matter what else is true about you – whether you are sick or healed, you have already been made well by the forgiveness of Christ. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
Other readings this week: St. Matthew 9:1-8, Ephesians 4:22-28, Isaiah 44:21-23
Higher Things Reflections are written by Rev. George F. Borghardt III, Assistant Pastor at St. Mark Lutheran Church, Conroe, TX.