The account of the man sick of the palsy, also known as the paralytic, is a profound narrative found in the Synoptic Gospels, specifically in Matthew 9:1-8, Mark 2:1-12, and Luke 5:17-26. This event not only highlights the miraculous healing power of Jesus Christ but also underscores the theme of glorifying God through faith and divine intervention.

Context and Setting

The incident takes place in Capernaum, a town that served as a central hub for Jesus' ministry in Galilee. The narrative begins with Jesus teaching in a house so crowded that there was no room to receive more people, not even at the door. This setting emphasizes the growing popularity and authority of Jesus as a teacher and healer.

The Act of Faith

The paralytic man, unable to walk, is brought to Jesus by four friends. Their determination to reach Jesus is evident as they resort to lowering the man through the roof of the house. This act of faith is significant, as it demonstrates their belief in Jesus' power to heal. The friends' actions are a testament to the communal aspect of faith, where the faith of others can play a crucial role in bringing someone to Christ.

Jesus' Response

Upon seeing their faith, Jesus addresses the paralytic with profound words: "Son, your sins are forgiven" (Mark 2:5). This statement is pivotal as it shifts the focus from physical healing to spiritual restoration. Jesus' declaration of forgiveness challenges the prevailing Jewish understanding of sin and sickness, suggesting that spiritual healing is of utmost importance.

The Reaction of the Scribes

The scribes present at the scene react with skepticism and accuse Jesus of blasphemy, reasoning that only God can forgive sins. This reaction provides an opportunity for Jesus to reveal His divine authority. He poses a rhetorical question: "Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up, pick up your mat, and walk'?" (Mark 2:9). By linking the forgiveness of sins with physical healing, Jesus demonstrates His authority over both the spiritual and physical realms.

The Miracle and Glorification of God

To validate His authority, Jesus commands the paralytic to rise, take up his mat, and go home. The man immediately stands up, takes his mat, and walks out in full view of everyone. This miraculous healing serves as a tangible sign of Jesus' divine power and authority. The crowd's reaction is one of amazement and reverence, as they glorify God, saying, "We have never seen anything like this!" (Mark 2:12).

Theological Implications

The healing of the paralytic underscores several key theological themes. Firstly, it highlights the integral relationship between faith and divine action. The faith of the paralytic and his friends is instrumental in the unfolding of the miracle. Secondly, the narrative emphasizes the authority of Jesus to forgive sins, a prerogative traditionally reserved for God alone. This authority is a testament to Jesus' divine identity and mission.

Glorifying God Through Healing

The glorification of God is a central outcome of this miracle. The crowd's response reflects a recognition of God's power and presence in their midst. The healing of the paralytic becomes a catalyst for worship and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty. This narrative invites believers to consider how acts of faith and divine intervention in their own lives can lead to the glorification of God.

In summary, the account of the man sick of the palsy is a powerful testament to the authority of Jesus Christ and the glorification of God through acts of faith and divine healing. It challenges believers to recognize the spiritual dimensions of healing and to respond with worship and reverence for God's mighty works.Luke 5:25
And immediately he rose up before them, and took up that where on he lay, and departed to his own house, glorifying God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Sick of the Palsy
... that they were all amazed and were glorifying God, saying, "We ... no zeal in it, no
passion for God's honor, no ... For as He had just read the sick man's heart, so ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 2 1-12 the sick of.htm

Jesus Heals a Paralytic at Capernaum.
... [What command could be more pleasant than that which bade this sick man go home ... The
bed had borne the man; now the man bore the bed""Bengel ... c glorifying God. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xxxv jesus heals a paralytic.htm

Christ's Authority to Forgive
... Their glorifying God cannot have been very deep-seated, or ... a little varnish of
acknowledgment of God's power, which ... Let us hope that the healed man carried his ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/christs authority to forgive.htm

Whether those Miracles were Fitting which Christ Worked in ...
... the man sick of the palsy had been healed by Christ, "feared, and glorified God
that gave such power to men." But the demons have no part in glorifying God; ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether those miracles were fitting.htm

Blasphemer, or --Who?
... that ye may know that the Son of man hath power ... earth to forgive sins, (He said unto
the sick of the ... he lay, and departed to his own house, glorifying God.26. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/blasphemer orwho.htm

First Forgiveness, Then Healing
... that ye may know that the Son of man hath power ... to forgive sins, (he said unto the
sick of the ... whereon he lay, and departed to his own house, glorifying God. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 41 1895/first forgiveness then healing.htm

Carried by Four
... that ye may know that the Son of man hath power ... to forgive sins (he said unto the
sick of the ... whereon he lay, and departed to his own house, glorifying God. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/carried by four.htm

The Trinity.
... in the mission of the Holy Spirit is more glorifying to God ... He prayed God to keep
them from the evils of the world ... In Mat.9:2, Jesus says to the man sick of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter xv the trinity.htm

John iv. 40-43
... to persist just the same in giving thanks, in glorifying God. ... are effects of the
tender care of God; "Whom the ... Hebrews 12:6.) When therefore a man serves Him ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxxv john iv 40-43.htm

English Version of the Second Helvetic Confession, AD 1566.
... ceased to be a true body after his glorifying, or that ... By which words he did mean
that any man could be ... should endeavor by all means, and beg of God by prayer ...
/.../english version of the second.htm

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