The Paralyzed Man
Main Idea: Jesus wants to encourage you, forgive you, and completely heal you.
Text: “Some men brought to him a paralyzed man, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.” At this, some of the teachers of the law said to themselves, “This fellow is blaspheming!” Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, “Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts? Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the paralyzed man, “Get up, take your mat and go home.” Then the man got up and went home. When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe; and they praised God, who had given such authority to man” (Matthew 9:2-8 NIV)
Introduction: Today I want to tell you a story from the life of Jesus.
I. The Story of the Paralyzed Man (See Mark 2:1-12).
A. Once there was a paralyzed man who could not move his hands or his feet.
B. He had four friends who decided to bring him to Jesus.
C. When they arrived at the house where Jesus was teaching, they were prevented from entering because many religious leaders were blocking the way.
D. They climbed up onto the roof of the house, cut a hole in the roof, and lowered the man in front of Jesus.
II. Jesus Saw Their Faith (Matthew 9:2).
A. It took great faith to cut a hole in the roof.
B. Jesus sees your need, but He is looking for your faith.
C. Without faith it is impossible to please God. Hebrews 11:6 “Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
D. Faith comes from hearing God’s word. Romans 10:17 “Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.”
E. We must put our faith into action
1. Faith without works (corresponding action) is dead. James 2:20 “faith without deeds is useless?”
2. The four friends put their faith into action.
3. I ask you to put your faith into action today.
4. Faith comes by hearing God’s word, miracles come by doing God’s word.
5. You will receive a miracle when you put your faith into action.
F. Jesus said three things to the paralyzed man.
1. Be encouraged.
2. Your sins are forgiven.
3. Get up and be healed.
G. Why did Jesus say these three things to the paralyzed man?
1. Each one of us is a three-part being.
a. Inside, we are a spirit.
b. We have a soul comprised of the mind, the will, and the emotions.
c. We live inside a physical body.
2. Jesus wanted to bring complete healing to the man.
III. Be Encouraged
A. The first thing Jesus said to the man was “take heart” which means “be encouraged.”
B. Why did Jesus want to encourage the man?
1. The man was sad.
2. The man was worried.
3. The man was fearful.
4. The man was lonely.
C. Jesus says to you, “Be encouraged.”
1. You don’t need to be sad any longer.
2. You don’t need to be worried any longer.
3. You don’t need to live in fear any longer.
4. You don’t need to be lonely any longer.
D. Jesus is here and wherever Jesus is your miracle is going to happen.
IV. Your Sins Are Forgiven
A. The second thing Jesus said to the man was, “Your sins are forgiven.”
B. The religious leaders were upset that Jesus forgave the man’s sins because they knew that only God can forgive sins.
1. The religious leaders were right because it is true that only God can forgive sins.
2. The religious leaders were also wrong because they failed to recognize that Jesus is God.
3. Jesus proved that He is God when He forgave this man’s sins.
C. The reason Jesus came to the earth was to forgive sins.
1. Jesus came to seek and save the lost. Luke 19:10 “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
2. Every person has sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…”
3. The price for sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ. Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
4. Jesus died on the cross to pay the price for your sins. But Jesus did not stay dead. After three days, He rose from the dead and today Jesus is alive and ready to forgive your sins. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures…he was buried [and] he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures…”
5. You can be saved if you call on Jesus today. Acts 2:21 “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
V. Go Home Completely Healed
A. The third thing Jesus said was, “Get up, take up your bed, and go home.”
B. After Jesus forgave the man’s sin, He also healed his body.
C. For the first time in many years, the man stood up and walked.
1. He came in through the roof, but he walked out through the door.
2. He came in with a big problem, but he walked out with a big miracle.
3. He came in being carried on his bed, but he walked out carrying his bed.
D. Jesus completely healed the man; spirit, mind, and body.
VI. Today, Jesus has three messages for you.
A. Be encouraged.
B. Your sins are forgiven.
C. Be completely healed.
