Brought to Jesus

[cmc]

Key Passage: Matthew 9:1-8
Topic: Christian Living
And behold, some people brought to him a paralytic, lying on a bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven." (Matthew 9:2, ESV)

In our society we've convinced ourselves that we've got to do things on our own. "Pull yourself up by your bootstraps."

But here's a dirty little secret: That doesn't always work. We need each other.

The man in today's Scripture learned that. He needed Christ to heal him. But he also needed people to bring him to Jesus.

We all need that. We need people around us who will bring us to Jesus--and we need to be that person for others.

We're not created to be excluded from others. God created us for fellowship. We need to be there for each other. We need to "encourage one another and build one another up" (1 Thessalonians 5:11, ESV). Everyone needs some support and encouragement at times.

We can also help our friends to grow. The Bible says, "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another" (Proverbs 27:17, ESV). Yes, at times that process can be painful, but in the end, it is so rewarding as you become more the person God designed you to be.

We must be there to keep each other accountable--to make sure that the life we're living matches the life that we claim in Christ. When a friend is heading off in the wrong direction, we need to be there to point it out and help him or her return to the right path. We also need to pray for each other (James 5:16). Don't ever underestimate the importance of praying for one another.

"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!" (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, ESV).

Be there for your friends and allow them to be there for you. Sometimes we need someone to bring us to Jesus.



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[toad]

Jesus saw their faith, an example of the fact that faith can be seen.

He forgave the man's sins and really caused a comotion. The scribes accused Him of blasphemey. Then Jesus asks the question "which is easier to say your sins be forgiven, or rise up and walk?"

cmc.............how would you answer the question that Jesus asked?

Jesus commanded the man to get up and walk, and he did right in front of everyone.


Hey cmc.........what do you hear about the rivial in Fl.?

What about Todd Bently?............anything????

[cmc]

Originally Posted by toad

Jesus saw their faith, an example of the fact that faith can be seen.

He forgave the man's sins and really caused a comotion. The scribes accused Him of blasphemey. Then Jesus asks the question "which is easier to say your sins be forgiven, or rise up and walk?"

cmc.............how would you answer the question that Jesus asked?

I'm ignorant enough to not know the answer and too wise to try!! My best guess is that for Jesus, both were easy and both caused him the same trouble with the religious people of that time.

jmho Jesus was mocking his critics...very much like a television disclaimer "hey kids, please don't try what you have seen here at home."

Jesus commanded the man to get up and walk, and he did right in front of everyone.


Hey cmc.........what do you hear about the rivial in Fl.? toad...I'm totally out of the loop on that one.

What about Todd Bently?............anything????
Sorry but I'm not familiar with that name.

,

[toad]

The question Jesus asked...........

Here is my view on that.
To say "get up and walk," is simple. Jesus created everything and could recreate new bones and tissue at his command. After all, He created all the stars and beyond.

To say "your sins are forgiven," involved a trip to the cross. Many in the old covenant were saved by looking forward to the cross. Moses, Elijah, David, Elisha,...etc. I feel that Jesus forgave the man's sins by knowing the plan of redemption and knowing the Father's will for His Son to die on the cross.

It is easier to recreate something you created to begin with, than the trip to the cross. Jesus knew the pain that was involved, but was obedient to the Fathers will. He sweat drops of blood knowing what was ahead.....

Just my opinion, and they say opinions are like elbows...........everybody's got a couple.

[IO Storm]

I am totally blown away by your answer toad. Has anyone ever told you may have

the gift of revelation knowledge? Or did you hear it from another?

I hear truth in that answer!

[IO Storm]

Jesus knew the pain that was involved, but was obedient to the Fathers will.

I am so glad He did....and forever grateful will be.

[LuvinMe]

Yes we do... Somebody brought me back..

Amen.........