WHICH IS HARDER? - Matthew 9:1-8
What Does it Say?  v4-8 Jesus tells a crippled man his sins are forgiven.  Jesus knew the religious leaders were angry and asked them if it was easier to forgive sin or heal, He then told the crippled man to get up and take his mat and go home and he did.  The crowd was afraid, but praised God at the sframe time.
What Does it Mean?  The people that brought the crippled man to Jesus, believed that Jesus could heal him or they wouldn't have brought him to Jesus.  The first thing Jesus does is to forgive the man's sin.  The religious leaders took offense to that.  Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked them which would be harder, to forgive sin or heal the crippled man.  Both to heal and to forgive sin are something that only God can do.  Jesus proved He had the power to forgive sin, but they still wouldn't believe.  The cripple was healed and carried his mat home, the onlookers were afraid yet praised God. Jesus’ purpose was to show the world that he had the power to forgive sin; the physical healing was to prove He was who He claimed to be.  Jesus desire is to rescue us from the punishment of our sin and to have a relationship with us.  He allows circumstances in our lives to motivate us to seek Him.  He is a gentleman and won't force us to accept what he is offering.  The religious leaders were not impressed by what Jesus said and did.  Jesus knew what they were thinking and he knows what you are thinking.   Do you believe Jesus can do what he says and will keep his promises?  Talk to him about it.

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