Read Mark 2:1-12.

Jesus Forgives and Heals

“Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk?” (v. 9).

   “And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them…and he preached the word unto them” (v. 2). Jesus was surrounded by people with needs. He knew the hurts, griefs, struggles, and longings of each person in the room, so He offered them exactly what they needed: He preached the word unto them.

While the physical need of the paralyzed man who came in through the roof was immediately apparent, Jesus understood that the man needed forgiveness even more desperately than he needed a physical touch. Jesus preached the word unto them, offered forgiveness, and brought all the healing the man needed — soul and body.

In fact, each person in that room needed the same thing. They all needed the healing of forgiveness. The scribes needed healing for their spiritual blindness. Everyone needed Jesus to preach the word unto them. Through His teaching, His physical healing, and His revealing the thoughts of their hearts, Jesus demonstrated God’s goal for each of us — forgiveness and healing. (Karen Speak)

I lay my wants on Jesus; All fullness dwells in Him.

He heals all my diseases; He doth my soul redeem.

I lay my griefs on Jesus, My burdens, and my cares.

He from them all releases; He all my sorrows shares.

--- Horatius Bonar

“He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions”

(Psalm 107:20).