Our Works and Our Words

Matthew 9:1-8 is the story about a paralyzed man being brought to Jesus for healing. Scriptures tell us that when this man's friends brought him to Jesus on a mat, their faith was observed and Jesus was moved to say, in verse 2, "Be encouraged, your sins are forgiven."

But this man needed more than the forgiveness of sins.

He needed to be healed.

And while the eradication of sins was MORE than enough for this man, Jesus desired to do more for him.

Jesus, being persecuted by the teachers of religious law who were standing by looking on, ready to find fault, claimed blasphemy saying to themselves, "does He think He's God?" (vs 3)

Jesus, who knew what they were thinking then asked the spectators, "Why do you have such evil in your hearts? Is it easier to say, 'Your sins are forgiven', or 'Stand up and walk.'?" He went on to say, "So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins." (vs 4-6)

Then Jesus turns to the paralyzed man and says, "Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home." (vs 6)

Here we see Jesus proving His divinity to the onlookers and unbelievers. Here was a Divine Work to confirm a Divine Claim. If Jesus was an imposter and were to have said ONLY, "Your sins are forgiven", the result may have been less obvious. The outcome not visible as to increase faith, or in most cases ESTABLISH faith in others around Him.

And this was always the aim. The invitation into a saving relationship with Jesus is always the mission.

But when Jesus reinforces His words with WORK and tells the man to "Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home.", He's proving to a disbelieving world of His power and authority.

And so - could it be with you and me?

We are image-bearers, called to BE Jesus here on the earth. To GO and MAKE disciples. To BE the hands and feet that represent... no... RE-present... the message of salvation to all who will listen!

And I believe the world is not just listening to hear... they're looking to SEE.

Words must be reinforced with WORK.

James 2:17-22 says it best.

In part, "... faith by itself isn't enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless."

"... you see, his (Abraham's) faith and His actions worked together. His actions made his faith complete."

We owe the world a demonstration of power.

It's about asking for the miracle, and then believing He can and WILL do it.

It's about praying for the sick, and then, by faith, believing in the impossibility.

It's about offering the miracle of mercy to those who don't deserve it... because mercy is a miracle too, and words are worthless without work.

The proof was in the power that caused this man to get up and walk!

Words weren't enough.

But the WORK was, indeed, what caused fear to sweep through the crowd, and praise to God to fall from their lips. "And they praised God for sending a Man with such great authority." (vs 8)

Ahh, yes, that our power... the power within us given to us by the Holy Spirit... and authority would always cause those around us to praise God!

We owe the world around us, not just a delivery of words, but a demonstration by works!

Keep taking risks by loving others well, speaking goodness and kindness, forgiving unconditionally, and then believing for miracles and impossibilities that prove His ability AND willingness.