THIS account of the healing of the paralysed man holds a number of important lessons and truths, and so I believe it is worthy of being considered on its own.

Firstly, it is good to notice the time frame. Mark tells us it occurred a few days after the healing of the man with leprosy.

Secondly, let us notice the hunger people seemed to have at this time to hear what Jesus had to say. It is true that this paralysed man was brought to Jesus, but when he came the room and outside the house was filled already with people listening to Jesus preaching to them. What is sure is that when people came to Jesus he made use of the opportunity to tell them the truth of the Gospel.

This illustrates the experience which is common to times when the Holy Spirit comes in power. A preacher is raised up by God to be the instrument used by God to proclaim the Gospel, then God, by the Holy Spirit, causes people to be drawn to hear the message. Then the preaching is marvellously blessed by God. The ministry of Jesus was unique, but the way people were drawn to him does illustrate the work of the Holy Spirit in reviving the work of God in salvation.

Thirdly, let us notice the example of the men who brought the paralysed man for healing. They persevered in their determination to seek healing for their friend. They were not put off by the fact that they could not get near to Jesus through the normal way. Most would, no doubt, have given up at this set back, hoping to be given another opportunity. These men would not be put off, and they looked for another way to achieve their purpose, and achieved it, even though it meant some destruction of the fabric of the building. Such determination to receive the blessing they desired is commendable, and an example to copy. When we approach God in prayer we too easily give up when there seems to be no answer to our pleading. The example of these men is a challenge to us to persevere, specially when we are seeking reviving blessings upon the church of God.

Fourthly, we should notice what made these people strong in perseverance. The answer is given in verse 5 where we are told that when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven". They did not stagger in unbelief. They were sure Jesus had the power to answer their prayer. They were sure that Jesus would answer their prayer, and not refuse them their request. In a word they believed in Jesus as both God and Saviour, although their understanding of this may have been very limited. We need to cultivate such faith. Those who are strong in faith are strong in the Lord. Having said this the question arises as to how we can grow in faith, and how we can grow in understanding what the will of the Lord is, so that our faith may be founded on a good foundation

Fifthly, we should notice the strange response that Jesus gave to their faith. They were hoping and expecting that Jesus would heal the paralysis. Instead Jesus healed the soul. He gave forgiveness of sins. We need to appreciate that this healing is far the greater and the best. This is healing for eternity, where as healing the paralysis was healing only for time.

Sixthly, the reaction of the teachers of the law is very instructive. They reacted to Jesus very strongly. They were both right and also very wrong in their reaction. They were right is saying that only God could forgive sins, and if any human being claiming he or she can forgive sins, even if they are ordained, is blaspheme. The claim that ordained priests can forgive sins is a false claim, and those who act as if they do forgive sins blaspheme God. There is no escape from this. On the other hand the teachers of the law were wrong because they did not understand who Jesus was - that Jesus was their God, and the Messiah that was promised. Jesus can and does forgive sins. He came into the world to purchase the legal right for sins to be forgiven justly by God. We may safely go to him with a repentant heart, and know he will forgive our sins.

Seventhly, we see Jesus revealing to them and to all who will receive the message, that he had authority to forgive sins, and still does forgive the sins of all who come to him in faith and repentance. To forgive sins is impossible for anyone except God. It is a far greater blessing to give than healing of the body. As human beings we don't appreciate this, and so Jesus calls us to make the comparison between the healing of paralysis and healing of the soul by forgiveness.

The fact is that humanly speaking this paralysis could not be healed, and no doubt that paralysis could not have been helped very much today with all the advance in medical skill that is known. For Jesus to heal the paralysis was a testimony to who he was. No doubt Jesus had all this in mind. He was teaching these teachers of the law and all present the fact about himself, if they would only make the right deduction. By healing the paralysis by a word of power, Jesus showed he was and must be God, and so he could, and had the right to, forgive sins.

Eighthly, let us take to heart the revelation which Jesus gave of himself here. By a word of command - "I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home" - Jesus made this man whole from this affliction, which had destroyed his life. He did this in full view of all the large crowd present in the room. It was not done in a corner, and the evidence of the healing was plain to see. The man got up and walked and went home.

These incidents recorded for us of the power of Jesus are given by the inspiration of God so that we may know the truth and the truth will set us free. This action of Jesus and its result was seen and so proved to be true. Jesus is the same, yesterday, today and for ever.

Ninthly, we need to notice and understand the importance of faith. This paralytic was not helped to get up. He was only commanded to do so. He had no proof that he would be able to get up except the word of command Jesus gave him. He got up and found he had been healed because he obeyed the command. We are not told anything about the level of his faith here - whether it was strong or whether it was weak. All we know is that he got up. Faith is proved by the action to obey the word of Christ. Only the smallest faith, being exercised with much doubting within, proves the genuineness of faith. It is not the amount of faith we have that matters but whether we show we have faith by acting on the word of Jesus. It is also true, however, that the greater our faith, the more confidence, assurance and peace we will have in our Christian journey.