FY 23
February 23
Luke 5:16-26. The paralytic let down through the house-top.
The Lord Jesus, being prevented for a time from entering the towns by the immense crowds that collected wherever he went, retired into the wilderness. How blessed was the use which he made of his retirement! He gave himself unto prayer. And shall we venture to live without prayer—without much prayer—without fervent prayer! How can we hope for any peace of mind without prayer to the God of peace?
Soon, however, our Savior came into the towns again. It was in Capernaum that he healed the man sick of the palsy. He was then preaching in a house, and many of the wise and great were present, watching maliciously his words and actions.
It was on this occasion that four men, bearing a poor paralytic, unable to get in at the door, ascended to the top of the house, (probably by some stairs outside,) and let down their sick friend through the roof. Great surprise must have been felt by the crowd below when the bed descended in the midst. Our Savior was not annoyed by the interruption; he was always ready to help the afflicted, and rejoiced at beholding any proof of faith in his power. In this instance he seems to have perceived some spiritual desire in the man; for, instead of healing him immediately, he said, "Your sins are forgiven;" and, as Matthew relates, he said also, "Son, be of good cheer;" as if he regarded him with especial tenderness, as a son, who mourned more for his sins than for his sufferings. This man was surely one of the broken-hearted ones that Jesus came to bind up.
But what do you think of the conduct of the friends of the paralytic? If they had not been very anxious about the recovery of the sufferer, they would have retired when they saw the crowd around the door; but they had set their hearts upon bringing him to Jesus, and they were ingenious in finding out a way. If we are as anxious to obtain spiritual blessings, as they were to benefit the sick man, we shall be ingenious too. We shall find time in almost any circumstances for prayer, and for reading the Scriptures.
Some pious prisoners were once confined in a dark dungeon, and only had light allowed for a few minutes at meal-time. How could they read the Bible? They used the light to read it, and they ate in the dark. What holy ingenuity they displayed! There are others who have used a like ingenuity in contriving means to bring sinners to Jesus. The last day will reveal how abundantly their pious plans have been blessed.
Jesus knew that his power to forgive sins was doubted by the enemies who surrounded him; therefore he inquired which was easier, to forgive sins, or to heal the man. He knew which they thought the easier—to forgive sins. Mistaken idea! It was so hard, that Jesus shed his blood, that he might procure this forgiveness. Little did his enemies know what it would cost him to be able to say, "Your sins be forgiven you."
The pardon He bestows is valued only by those who groan beneath the burden of sin. The great reformer, Martin Luther, soon after he had become a monk, fell dangerously ill. Though he had long sought for pardon, he was filled with terror at the prospect of eternity. It was then that an aged monk visited his cell, and reminded him of those words in the creed, "I believe in the forgiveness of sins."—"Believe," said the old man, "not only that the sins of David or Peter are forgiven, but that your own are pardoned." These words were a balm to Luther's wounded heart. He thought no more of gaining heaven by his own righteousness, but looked with confidence to the mercy of God in Christ.