And getting into a boat he crossed over and came to his own city. 2 And 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.” (Matthew 9:1–2 (ESV)
Returning to our study in the Gospel of Matthew, today we begin examining Jesus’ healing of a paralytic. Following the incidents Matthew recorded in the previous chapter, Jesus continued His healing ministry; indicating that He was the promised Messiah fulfilling Isaiah 61:1-2. Both the Gospels of Mark and Luke refer to this miracle (Mark 2:1-12; Luke 5:17-26).
Jesus returned to Capernaum from Gadara (Mathew 8:28-34). It was at that time that some people brought to Jesus a paralytic. Matthew does not reveal the extent of the paralysis other than the man was lying on a bed. Mark and Luke’s Gospel provide more information about this event.
“And when he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. 2 And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them. 3 And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. 4 And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. 5 And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” (Mark 2:1–5 (ESV)
17 “On one of those days, as he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with him to heal. 18 And behold, some men were bringing on a bed a man who was paralyzed, and they were seeking to bring him in and lay him before Jesus, 19 but finding no way to bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the midst before Jesus. 20 And when he saw their faith, he said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” (Luke 5:17–20 (ESV)
Mark and Luke record that at the time of this incident Jesus was teaching at home. There were many in attendance. It was standing room only. Those attending included Pharisees and teachers of the law who had come from villages throughout Galilee and Judea. Mark records that Jesus was preaching the Word of God. Luke states that the power of the Lord was with Jesus to heal. This sets the scene for what would follow.
“When the Gadarenes desired Christ to depart (Matthew 8:28-34), they of Capernaum received him. If Christ be affronted by some, there are others in whom he will be glorious; if one will not, another will,” explains commentator Matthew Henry.
May we be those who glorify the Lord Jesus Christ today. Have a blessed one.
Soli deo Gloria!
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