The Pharisees and the teachers of the law began thinking to themselves, “Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the paralyzed man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God. Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, “We have seen remarkable things today.”

How do you see the people around you? What do you see when you look at them? How do you describe them to others? The messages of this world are: that we should compare with each other, focus on the negative and call it out in others and make ourselves look better than them; take any route necessary to get on top, and don’t worry who we step on along the way. These messages are self-serving, and they are self-focused. This is what the Pharisees and teachers of the law did. Jesus had a different way of looking at others in life. Instead of looking at them as competition and trying to point out their faults to make himself look good, he took a different path. He looked at the redeemable qualities in the hearts of those around him and CALLED THEM OUT! He called out to the paralyzed man here, who no doubt had experienced a rough life, and he called out to his heart first. Instead of comparing himself to the paralyzed man, he forgave his sins. He loved him in a way the Jewish leaders would not. Later in his ministry, in Matthew, Jesus commends a simple faith (like that of this man and his friends), which is like that of a child: “He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.’” ‭‭(Matthew‬ ‭18‬:‭2‬-‭5‬)‬‬

The lessons for us are clear. This man and his friends were sold out on seeing Jesus. They believed in him. They did whatever it took to place their friend in front of Jesus. And they approached him humbly, like a child. They were not looking to find fault with Jesus, to make themselves look better, but they looked for his greatness and they found it! What am I willing to do to help the hurting, disabled, those in dark places around me? Will I carry their burdens? Will I climb heights for them? Will I dig through a roof and risk offending others for their cause? Will I look for Jesus and his greatness today?

Lord, break my heart for the plight of the suffering around me and help me approach your throne of grace in humility and with persistence to have you heal my heart too. May I seek your greatness in my endeavors and follow you with a pure heart. You are the Great Healer, and your greatest healing is the work you do in our hearts! Praise your name, Jesus!