Matthew: Healing in His PresenceSample

Paralytic on a Mat

Who's got YOUR mat? You'll see what I mean in a minute when we read this story which takes place in Capernaum, a sea-side village on the Sea of Galilee.

Jesus is preaching in a crowded home. There are people blocking every entrance into the house. It's packed with people wanting to listen to Jesus. Suddenly, some roof tiles start falling inside the house. As everyone looks up, they see a paralytic man lying on a mat being lowered down into the house through the roof. Yes, through the roof because this guy's friends couldn't get him to Jesus any other way!

We see this story also told in the Gospels of Mark and Luke. In this version, the writer Matthew doesn't really focus on the great effort the guy's friends make to get him to Jesus. They literally tore the roof open to have a divine appointment with the Great Healer. So make sure to read all of the accounts of this story because I wonder, who's got YOUR mat? I mean, who do you have surrounding you in your healing journey that will move heaven and earth to help you? It's that person you can call when you are afraid. That family member who lifts you up and gets you to the bathroom. That boss who gives you extra time off so you can go to your doctor appointments or therapy. You need some good "mat carriers" in your life - Jesus believing friends and family that will pray with you and support you no matter what you need.

Since Matthew is the author of this account, let's not miss what the Holy Spirit was showing him. Matthew focuses his attention on Jesus’ authority to forgive sins. The first thing He says to the paralytic man is, “Take heart, son, your sins are forgiven.”

Don't miss this point. Only Jesus can forgive sins. Jesus was more concerned with this man’s spiritual condition than his physical wellbeing. We beg for physical healing, but have you first sought Jesus' forgiveness and spiritual salvation? That is the most important healing you could ever have.

Questions:

1. Why do you think Jesus put an emphasis on the forgiveness of sins?

2. How do you balance asking for physical healing with seeking the deeper, spiritual healing that only Jesus can provide?

3. Who in your life has the faith and courage to be your “mat carrier” when you need help getting to Jesus or through a tough time?