“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?” 22 Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts?23 Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? 24 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.” 25 Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God. 26 Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, “We have seen remarkable things today.” Luke 5.21-26
The man was carried in and walked out. What a story!
If there is one of Jesus’ miracles that stands above them all, it could be this one. The faith of the friends brought healing, the determination of Jesus to forgive sins even in the midst of the religious leaders, and the amazement of the crowd at all of Jesus’ remarkable deeds.
Nowhere in the world have we seen someone like Jesus. No one can even compare. Sure, some people have claimed to perform miracles, great deeds, or works of righteousness. But is there anyone even comparable to what Jesus did over his three-year span in Israel? Is there anyone who is even credited with half—or a fourth—of his works?
I wonder then, why won’t more believe in him? Why won’t more people explore and examine his deeds—to see for themselves what he has done and why he has done it?
Jesus didn’t perform miracles just for the fun of it. If you asked why Jesus healed people, I would say it wasn’t for attention. No, he could gain that easily enough. It was to redeem humanity, bring healing to people, and let the world know this was the kind of Messiah they could look to. Yes, it all brings glory to God. But I believe Jesus performed miracles mostly because it was in his nature to restore.
God spoke into existence a perfect world through his Word (Jesus), and when that world fell apart because of wayward humanity, sin, and disobedience to God—God did what only he can do: he restored.
Jesus was a restorer, a healer, a Savior—God. He was and is God in the flesh. He brings hope to everyone who calls upon his name. He has authority to restore your brokenness and remove the shame of your sin. He can renew you to a right relationship with God—the way we were intended to be—to walk side by side with our Creator in the garden of life.
The story of the miracle coming from the hole in the roof is impressive, but the One who did the work is mighty. Jesus the Christ stands at your door, knocking, waiting to come in. He is the only human-divine figure in history to come personally to you and ask if you want saving. God does not force his way into our spiritual homes—he waits, he seeks, he asks, and he offers grace and forgiveness to all.
The man who was healed, and who had also been forgiven of his sins, took up his mat and walked after meeting with Jesus. Will you do the same?
“O Lord God, you are in the restoration business. The store—Restoration Hardware—has nothing on you! You are good, and you are God. You are a builder and a Redeemer. You are the Cornerstone, the Light of the World, the One and Only God sent to save us. Come now, Holy Spirit, guide us into all righteousness by your faith and in your light. I love you and praise your name, for you are good, and your love endures forever.” Amen.