Wherever the power of God flows out apparently, men gather in a crowd, for men are thirsty for the refreshing power of God, which gives life in the midst of death. Jesus preached the gospel in the power of his Father, and men filled the houses and lanes to hear him.
A man, who had suffered paralysis for long years, lived in Capernaum. He was unable to come on foot to Jesus. His family told him about the Savior, and his kind words, and wonderful power. Therefore, the suffering man believed in the power of Christ and longed to see him. He asked four of his friends to carry him to Jesus. What a blessed sight, to see four friends thus carrying their needy friend to the Savior! Did you ever carry a suffering man to the great Helper through your prayer?
When they could not get to Jesus because of the crowded people around him, they opened a large hole in the ceiling, through the composite of grass, plaster, tiles, and lath, and they let the paralytic down with ropes in the midst of the crowded group around Jesus. Jesus understood the design and the common faith of the friends. He loved their courage, and said to the paralytic with divine power: “Son, your sins are forgiven you.”
This statement fell as a thunderbolt on the crowds, and came into the heart of the sick man who had expected the healing of his bodily conflict, but received forgiveness instead. He probably sensed that sin is the procuring cause of all pains and sicknesses of man. Jesus delivered him from the human inherited bonds, and called him his son, for whoever believes in Christ becomes a child of God. Did you recognize Christ’s forgiveness of your sins? Come to him. He will neither rebuke, nor refuse you, but he will save you immediately, if you come to him faithfully.
However, the fanatic professors of religion among the crowds were shocked at his assuming a right that belongs to God alone – the right to forgive sins. They flared up and became frightened, thinking in their hearts: “He blasphemed. None can forgive sins but God alone.”
Christ, who searched the heart and knew what was in man, reproached them for their wrong assumption, and showed them that he is an eternal God, Creator, Redeemer, and Comforter who has the right to forgive at all times. He commanded the paralytic to arise, take up his bed, and go to his house. He did not demand of the poor man many prayers and repentance with confession beforehand, but spoke with authority and said: “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go your way to your house.”
He, who speaks using “I” is the Lord himself, who said: “I am the Lord your God. You shall have no other gods before me.” He spoke this word several times during his stay with us in the world: “I am the Light of the word.” “I am the Bread of life.” “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” And when he was arrested and asked about his name, he answered: “I am He” that everyone might recognize that God himself was present among them in his body.
He, who loves Jesus, recognizes his essence. But he, who loves himself and becomes strict in law and self-dependence, remains blind in the eyes of his heart. Moreover, he hates him who came from heaven to us, and refuses the love of the Almighty.