Actions Framed

Matthew 9:1-8

What were the scribes upset about?

Photo by Olah Renáta Adrienn on Unsplash

And after getting into a boat he crossed the sea and came to his own town. And just then some people were carrying a paralyzed man lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.” Then some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” But Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ’stand up and walk’? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”-- he then said to the paralytic-- “Stand up, take your bed and go to your home.” And he stood up and went to his home. When the crowds saw it, they were filled with awe, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to human beings. - Matthew 9:1-8

Were they upset that the man was healed and could walk? Or was it how Jesus framed the healing that bothered them?

Jesus used words of divine authority. Your sins are forgiven.

How dare he, a mere human, claim such authority?

I imagine the guy who could suddenly walk, standing up and jumping for joy, trying to show the scribes what miracle happened to him.

But they were focused on the claim of authority, not the miraculous work itself.

If Jesus were alive today, there would be many who would take offense at how he speaks. This man claims to be a god. He says he is divine, the Messiah. He is a liar and a blasphemer.

So, Jesus reframed his action, saying simply, “Get up and walk.”

Does that really change anything? The people were in awe of the authority God had given to this mere mortal.

They didn’t understand the relationship, but it didn’t matter to them. They saw authority bestowed on someone like them, and they were blown away.

We, believers, don’t want Jesus to reframe who he is or what he is doing. The people of his day believed that sin caused afflictions, so Jesus said, “ Your sins are forgiven,” and the affliction was removed.

Ironically, Jesus never claimed to be the one forgiving sins. He simply said the sins were forgiven.

Jesus taught his disciples that these things did not come from him, but from the Father. He claimed to be a mere instrument of God’s grace and power.

We, too, can be that for others.

We may not believe that God will do these things through us, but why assume He wouldn’t?

We are called to be God’s presence in human form. We don’t have to do anything but show up. Place a hand on someone’s hand and offer to pray with them.

Immediately, they feel a burden lifted.

That is powerful. It is what we can do, what we are expected to do.

Healing comes in many forms. Being healed of fear and the feeling of being abandoned is the form of healing we can all do.

“I am here for you.”

More to come...

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