Monday, June 9, 2025  

Today's Scripture
Matthew 9:1–8

And after getting into a boat he crossed the sea and came to his own town. And just then some people were carrying a paralyzed man lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.” Then some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” But Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and walk’? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” — he then said to the paralytic — “stand up, take your bed and go to your home.” And he stood up and went to his home. When the crowds saw it, they were filled with awe, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to human beings. (NRSV)

Reflection

The most intriguing thing for me in this dramatic little scene is Jesus’ question to the muttering scribes: Which is easier? The invisible or the miraculous? The forgiveness or the cure?

The cure, obviously, is a crowd-pleaser. All the neighbors can see it, and it’s a blessing for the man who can now walk. The New Testament has many stories of visible miracles (though occasionally uncredited, such as the turning of water into wine). People like to see evidence and witness miracles, even today. Oftentimes, we even demand it. “If God exists, why don’t we see more miracles?”

The forgiveness of sins does not lend itself to theatrics, yet it is the most miraculous of gifts. Invisible to the crowd, but not to Jesus. It’s not a cure, but a transformation. It changes the person down to their very essence. In our story today, Jesus has taken this man, carried in by his friends, and aligned his being with the will of the creator of the universe. He has given him the key to eternal life. It’s the kind of thing that’s hard to see in a crowd, or a revival meeting, but is far more momentous.

Prayer

Jesus, you know me better than I know myself. I have impediments in this world, physically, emotionally, cognitively, spiritually. Please forgive my sins, knock away those trivial impediments, and bring me closer to your will. Amen.

Written by Jim Garner, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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