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for July 4, 2024

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07-04-2024 Matthew 9 V-0206 Authority on Earth to Forgive Sins

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The Book of Matthew 9 v- Two thru Six

2 And there people brought to him a paralytic lying on a stretcher. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Courage, child, your sins are forgiven.” 3 At that, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” 4 Jesus knew what they were thinking, and said, “Why do you harbor evil thoughts? 5 Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? 6 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he then said to the paralytic, “Rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home.”

Do you believe that Jesus Christ has authority on earth to forgive sins? Jesus answers their question of blasphemy with Authority; He proves by healing the man miraculously this backs up His statement, “But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he then said to the paralytic, “Rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home.”

Matthew 9:2-6 presents a powerful narrative that captures both the miraculous and the divine authority of Jesus Christ. In this passage, a paralytic man is brought to Jesus by his friends, a testament to their faith and hope in Jesus' healing power. Our prayers for our friends and family mirror this desire to express healing or goodwill. As the man lies on his bed before Jesus, something extraordinary happens: Jesus first addresses the man's spiritual state, saying, "Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven."

This statement is profound for several reasons. It highlights Jesus' authority to forgive sins, a privilege that, according to Jewish belief, belonged only to God. This declaration immediately stirs controversy among the scribes present, who silently accuse Jesus of blasphemy. They question in their hearts, "Who is this man who claims the power to forgive sins?"

Aware of their thoughts, Jesus directly challenges their skepticism. He poses a rhetorical question: "Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’?" By asking this, Jesus emphasizes that both statements are equally impossible for ordinary humans but are within His divine capability. To provide undeniable evidence of His authority, Jesus commands the paralytic to "Rise, take your mat, and go home." The man rises and walks, his physical healing serving as a visible sign of the invisible spiritual miracle that has taken place.

This passage is a multi-layered revelation of Jesus' identity. It underscores His compassion, as He responds to the faith of the paralytic and his friends. It also reveals His divine authority, both to heal and to forgive sins, thereby affirming His identity as the Son of God. The crowd's reaction—filled with awe and glorifying God—mirrors the intended response to this manifestation of divine power. Through this narrative, Matthew conveys a profound theological truth: Jesus is the Messiah, possessing both the power to heal our bodies and the authority to forgive our sins. If only we’d believe. Amen.

Join me as we pray our daily prayer of forgiveness. The Lord’s Prayer.

At the Savior's command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to say:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen.

I am sorry Lord. I believe You died and rose for me. Please forgive me as I forgive others. I share You as my Lord and Savior seeking to live your Will in all things. Prayers for wife Toni and my mother Betty pray for our children especially our two oldest Alexandra & Allen Son in Law Mark Stern; Julian, Gabriel and Jeffrey and our grandchildren Oliver, Julian and Elliott. We pray for those we’ve said we’d pray for and those who’ve asked us to pray for them. We pray for the dying as we do each day Lord give them peace in their last breath. We pray for Holy Mother Church. Our prayers for our niece Brittany. In Jesus Precious Blood by His Name we pray. Amen.

I am a poet obedient to Christ,
Catholic Evangelist Thomas Cruz†Wiggins

Practice. Pray. Proclaim. ®
†Spirit led God inspired Christ fed†®
Ephesians 6:17-20

07-04-2024 Matthew 9 v-0206

**Authority on Earth to Forgive Sins**

In Capernaum, a town by the sea,

A story of grace and faith came to be.

A paralytic, on a humble bed,

Was carried by friends, with hope ahead.

Before the Teacher, the Healer of souls,

They laid him down, their faith made whole.

Jesus, with a gaze so kind,

Spoke words that eased both heart and mind.

"Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven,"

A proclamation of a love power-driven.

But whispers arose, doubts did stir,

"Who is this man? Such claims absurd!"

Knowing their thoughts, Jesus replied,

"Why harbor evil? Why let it reside?

Is it easier to say, 'Your sins are no more,'

Or 'Rise and walk,' and be restored?"

"To show you the power given to Me,

Rise, take your mat, and walk totally free."

The man stood up, his strength renewed,

A miracle witnessed, faith infused.

Awe and wonder filled the crowd,

They praised the One who spoke aloud.

For in their midst, authority shone,

The Son of Man, on Heaven's throne. Amen.

© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins

July 4, 2024 @ 04:57 AM EST

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