An Illustration
Christ’s work for the paralytic is an illustration of the way we are to
work. Through his friends this man had heard of Jesus and requested
to be brought into the presence of the Mighty Healer. The Saviour
knew that the paralytic had been tortured by the suggestions of the
priests, that because of his sins God had cast him off. Therefore His
first work was to give him peace of mind. “Son,” He said, “thy sins
be forgiven thee.” This assurance filled his heart with peace and joy.
But some who were present began to murmur, saying in their hearts,
“Who can forgive sins but God only?” Then that they might know that
the Son of man had power to forgive sins, Christ said to the sick man,
“Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.” This
shows how the Saviour bound together the work of preaching the truth
and healing the sick—
Testimonies for the Church 6:234
(1900).
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