Are you looking for answers? A full mind, sometimes called a closed mind, is in no position to receive new information. This is true, even when the information is desired and sought after. To hear something new, we must loosen our tight-fisted grip on current opinions which are comfortable. We realize the risk as new information may be contrary to traditional views. This is the difficulty experienced by the Scribes and Pharisees in the Scripture. We must strive to avoid the same pitfalls. Do you believe what you believe in spite of evidence or even in the light of contrary evidence? In this episode, Don discusses death and judgment. These subjects are so uncomfortable, that most people will not tolerate a sober conversation. Friend, the consideration of death and judgment is for our benefit. Don’t put it off.
***
Chapter 12 (Part 2) Jesus Heals A Paralytic
SOON THEREAFTER Jesus was back at Capernaum. Word spread that he was there and great multitudes came to be taught and to receive favors at his hands.
One day, as he was teaching, there was brought to him a paralytic, carried by four men. So great was the press of people, the bearers of the bed were unable to enter the doors of the house where Jesus was speaking. Accordingly they climbed with their burden onto the roof, made a hole, and lowered the pallet and paralytic into the midst of the group around Jesus. When he saw this display of faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man:
“Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.”
When they heard this, the scribes and Pharisees who were present reasoned among themselves, saying:
“Why does this man thus speak blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?”
Jesus knowing their thoughts, said:
“What reason ye in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Thy sins be forgiven thee’; or to say, ‘Rise up and walk’? But, that ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins,” –
Turning to the paralytic, Jesus said:
“Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine own house.”
Immediately the man arose before the eyes of all who were there. He picked up his pallet and departed to his own house, glorifying God.
And the multitude who saw this miracle were amazed. They, too, glorified God and were filled with awe, saying:
“We have seen strange things today.”