That's lame!

Luke 5:20 
When He saw their faith, He said to him, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.”

The first and foremost thing that Jesus wants you to know is this: your sins are forgiven! This may be the most important information to be found in the Bible, and yet, it is commonly the most under-taught subject. Why do you suppose that is?

I have some ideas, not the least of which is this: the Devil doesn’t want you to know this fact. If you are constantly reminded of your status, forgiven, with Christ, by Christ, you become a danger to the Devil and his plans. When you are secure in knowing that God isn’t mad at you, even when you still make mistakes, you are free to do the good works that He [God] has prepared for you to walk into (Ephesians 2:10).

You see, sometimes the thought of God being upset or “mad” at you for your sin can stop you from becoming all that He has planned for you to become through the finished work of Jesus Christ. The thought that your sins aren’t all forgiven, that there are still some you need to confess for forgiveness, can hinder the advancement of God’s kingdom and delay the blessings He has prepared for your life. Even though you are forgiven, if you don’t know that fact you become lame.

This is why, when the paralytic was brought to Christ, the first thing He said was, “...your sins are forgiven...”: Before the man was able to do anything that God had intended for him to do, he had to know that he was forgiven. Before he could receive the blessings that Jesus had waiting for him, he had to be brought to the knowledge that Jesus had already forgiven him. Thank God he had faithful friends!

Not only were his friends faithful that Jesus could heal the man, they were faithful that He would. This is where we, Christians, come into the picture. One, we must know we are forgiven. But two, and more importantly, we must know that others are forgiven as well! Not only is it important for our spiritual health to know this fact, but it is imperative that we let others know the same truth. 

When we bring people to Christ it is for the sole purpose of letting them see the truth: their sins are forgiven. As we do this, Christ looks at our faith, and blesses the lame. Maybe it’s a friend or family member who is need of this knowledge. Or, perhaps it’s a church member who has forgotten this fact. Either way, before any more work can be done, the reassurance of forgiveness must be proclaimed!

This story ends with a paralyzed man standing. Not only was he able to stand, but he was able to pick up his stuff, walk out of the building, and return to his family. I can’t begin to imagine the blessings that came into this man’s life, as well as his families’ life, after he heard the simple truth: your sins are forgiven.

Whatever the case may be in your life. Whether you are feeling separated from God because of something you’ve done, or you’re trying to lead someone to Jesus start with forgiveness. Forgiveness fixes the lame, heals the sick, and restores relationships. It’s what Jesus is all about!