What Does The Healing Of The Paralytic Teach Us About The Relationship Between Faith And Forgiveness?
The Healing of the Paralytic: Faith and Forgiveness in the Ministry of Jesus
The account of Jesus healing the paralytic is found in three synoptic Gospels: Matthew 9:1-8 ASV, Mark 2:1-12 ASV, and Luke 5:17-26 ASV. The story is memorable: friends lower a paralyzed man through a roof to bring him before Jesus, hoping for physical healing. However, Jesus’ first response is striking—He addresses the man’s spiritual need before his physical one.
1. The Scene: Faith in Action
When the paralytic’s friends could not reach Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof and lowered the man down. Their determination is a vivid picture of faith in action.
And Jesus seeing their faith saith unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins are forgiven. - Mark 2:5 ASV
Here, Jesus responds not just to the paralytic’s faith, but to the faith of his friends as well. This shows that faith is not merely an internal conviction, but often reveals itself in persistent, loving action (see also James 2:18 ASV).
2. Forgiveness Before Healing: Jesus’ Priorities
Instead of healing the man immediately, Jesus declares, “Son, thy sins are forgiven.” This is significant for several reasons:
- Jesus affirms that humanity’s greatest need is forgiveness and reconciliation with God, surpassing even physical well-being (Matthew 16:26 ASV).
- By forgiving sins, Jesus reveals His divine authority, which was challenged by the religious leaders present.
But that ye may know that the Son of man hath authority on earth to forgive sins (he saith to the sick of the palsy), I say unto thee, Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thy house. - Mark 2:10 ASV
Here, Jesus connects visible healing with the invisible reality of forgiveness, demonstrating both His compassion and His divine power.
3. Faith’s Role in Receiving Forgiveness
The passage teaches that faith is the means by which people receive forgiveness. The friends’ faith in Jesus’ power led to both the physical and spiritual healing of the paralytic. This aligns with the biblical teaching that salvation is by grace through faith:
For by grace have ye been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God. - Ephesians 2:8 ASV
Faith does not earn forgiveness; it is the means by which we trust in the finished work and authority of Christ.
4. The Centrality of Christ’s Authority
The healing of the paralytic is not just about faith or forgiveness, but about who Jesus is. By forgiving sins, Jesus claims a prerogative belonging to God alone. The physical healing validates His authority to forgive, pointing to His divine identity.
And immediately he rose up before them, and took up that whereon he lay, and departed to his house, glorifying God. - Luke 5:25 ASV
The crowd’s response—glorifying God—shows that true encounters with Christ lead to worship and awe.
5. Practical Implications
- Faith Moves Us Toward Jesus: Genuine faith seeks Christ persistently, overcoming obstacles to come to Him.
- Forgiveness is Our Greatest Need: While Jesus cares about our physical needs, He prioritizes our spiritual restoration above all.
- Jesus Alone Has Authority to Forgive: We are called to trust in Christ’s unique power to forgive and save.
Conclusion
The healing of the paralytic teaches that faith in Jesus brings both forgiveness and restoration. Faith is the means by which we receive God’s grace, and forgiveness is the deepest healing Christ offers. It reminds us to seek Jesus first for spiritual renewal, trusting Him with every other need.