Sunday’s sermon was on Matthew’s account of the healing of the paralyzed man. The friends go to the trouble to get the man in front of Jesus (the other Gospels point out that they opened the roof to get him in because the crowds were too great). And what does Jesus do? He forgives the man’s sins. I could imagine the man thinking or even saying, “Uh, thanks Jesus, but that wasn’t what I was looking for. I’d rather walk if that is okay with you.”
The reality is we have in mind the way we want to be blessed. Sometimes God’s blessing doesn’t fit our mold. This passage is a good reminder that Jesus’ primary healing is the healing hearts hardened by sin. The physical healing is “so that you may know” who God is.
Ever had a blessing you didn’t ask for, but got? Here are two of mine. I certainly didn’t ask for them when we were going through infertility but man did I ever get the better blessing.
Musings on Faith and Psychology 
A word in due time. Thank you. And the smiles of those boys made my day. Bless you and your family.
Wild – I discussed this very thing with our kids the other night and personally was struck afresh with God’s mercy. I asked the kids what the man needed forgiveness for since he never asked for forgiveness or said he was sorry. It was fun to see them think about that and to talk about how we all need God’s forgiveness.