jesus healed a man afflicted with palsy (matthew 4:23-25)
Introduction:
1. Vs.23 contains a summary statement about the Lord's work. a. His primary work was teaching and preaching. b. In addition to teaching and preaching, Jesus healed all sicknesses and diseases (Matthew 9:35). 2. According to vs.24, people who suffered in various ways were brought to the Lord to be healed. a. Included were people afflicted with "palsy" [paralysis]. b. Jesus healed those who were brought to Him. 3. We learn from vs.25 that great crowds of people followed the Lord. 4. By performing miracles, as He did, Jesus proved that He is God's Son. a. John 3:2 b. John 20:30-31 5. In our lesson we are examining an occasion when "Jesus healed a man afflicted with palsy." Discussion: I. FIRST, LET US READ ABOUT THIS MIRACLE FROM THE GOSPELS
A. Matthew 9:1-8 B. Mark 2:1-12 C. Luke 5:17-26 II. NEXT, LET US BE MINDFUL OF THE SETTING FOR THIS MIRACLE
A. Jesus was in the city of Capernaum in Galilee. 1. He was teaching in a house. 2. The house was full. B. A number of Jewish religious leaders were present. C. (Luke 5:17) Jesus was teaching, but "the power of the Lord was present to heal them." D. A man afflicted with palsy was brought to the Lord. 1. 4 men carried this man to Jesus. 2. They could not enter the house because it was so crowded. 3. They went up on the roof, removed some of the tiles, and let the man down. III. LET US EXAMINE THE RESPONSES TO THIS SITUATION
A. Let us begin with the Lord's response. 1. Jesus saw their faith -- He saw it because faith is active (James 2:18). 2. Jesus first forgave the man's sins. 3. Jesus eventually healed the man of his palsy, proving that He had authority to forgive sins. B. The religious leaders responded by accusing Jesus of blasphemy -- He did something only God can do when He forgave the man's sins. C. The man who was healed responded by getting up, taking up his bed, and going home, glorifying God. D. The crowd responded by glorifying God. Conclusion:
1. By way of application, the Lord invites everyone to come to Him for "rest" (Matthew 11:28-30). 2. The One who healed the man of palsy wants to bless us with forgiveness. 3. Those who brought the man to Jesus to be healed demonstrated their faith through their actions -- they also demonstrated their love. 4. The greatest blessing that can be given to someone is to bring him/her to the Lord, like Andrew brought Peter to Jesus (John 1:41-42a).
