A Ransom For ManySample

Healthy and Whole 

Under the Jewish law, people with sicknesses and infirmities were not allowed into the temple, which is where the Jews believed the presence of God dwelled on the earth. Mark 2 begins with a paralyzed man dramatically entering the presence of Jesus, which tells us something important is about to happen.

With a crowd gathering, the roof opened, and all eyes on Him, Jesus spoke words of spiritual healing. All who gathered were stunned, especially the religious leaders.   Wasn’t it obvious what this man needed? It wasn’t forgiveness; he needed to be able to walk.  

But Jesus changed the conversation. Did He come for those who are lame and sick?  Yes. He told the paralyzed man to take up his mat and go home. But His ultimate mission was to heal what was broken spiritually. 

His authority over the physical realm was made clear by calling the man to rise and walk. But more importantly, His authority over the spiritual realm was evident by His proclamation of forgiving sin. His good news wasn’t simply about the health of the body, but the wholeness of our soul.

Levi was a tax collector, someone who had betrayed his Jewish heritage and aligned with the empire of Rome. In the eyes of the teachers of the Law, he was a broken sinner! But Jesus invites Levi into His presence, to share a meal and have a relationship. What an incredible picture of the extravagant love and mercy of Jesus. What Good News He brings! He not only offers forgiveness to us, but also shows us what being whole in His presence should look like.