Scripture

“I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then Jesus turned to the paralysed man and said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home.”

Observation

Jesus goes back across the lake to his own town. Some people bring a paralysed man to Him. He tells the man that his sins are forgiven.

Some of the religious leaders complain that Jesus is speaking blasphemy, and thinks that He is God.

To prove them wrong, Jesus then tells the paralysed man to stand up and walk. The man is healed.

Application

Is it easier to offer healing or forgiveness?

Death in the world is caused by sin. Jesus dealt with this on the cross, and therefore healing is a part of the blessing of the new Covenant.

Later, after the resurrection, Jesus would say to his disciples, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins they are forgiven. If you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”

We must step out confidently and offer both forgiveness and healing to the people we know.

Prayer

Lord, you have given your people tremendous authority and power. Please help me to walk in the grace and power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Scripture
The disciples were amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked. “Even the winds and waves obey him.”

Observation
Jesus and the disciples go across the lake. A fierce storm strikes the lake, threatening to sink the boat, but Jesus is sleeping through it. They wake Him, asking Him to save them.

Jesus gets up and rebuked the wind and waves. Suddenly everything is calm, and the disciples are amazed.

On the other side of the lake, they meet two men who are possessed by many demons. The demons scream at Jesus, acknowledging Him as the Son of God. They beg to be sent into a nearby heard of pigs. Jesus sends them out, and the pigs throw themselves into the water.

Application
Jesus is truly the Son of God. Even the demons acknowledge this. The disciples were amazed at Jesus’ power, but the demons knew exactly who He was, and the power that He could wield against them.

Jesus has power over the most extreme storms. With a word He commands the winds and waves to be still.

Jesus has power over the strongest and most crippling of demons. One word from the Lord and they must flee.

Whatever opposition we face in our walk with Jesus, He is the one who overcomes.

Prayer
Thank you Jesus for the assurance of your victory. Lord, please calm the storms of my life and cast out the demons that afflict me. Amen.