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Healing of the Soul
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promiscuous multitude, the eager, the reverent, the curious, and the
unbelieving. Different nationalities and all grades of society were
represented. “And the power of the Lord was present to heal.”
Verse
17
. The Spirit of life brooded over the assembly, but Pharisees and
doctors did not discern His presence. They felt no sense of need,
and the healing was not for them. “He hath filled the hungry with
good things; and the rich He hath sent empty away.”
Luke 1:53
.
Again and again the bearers of the paralytic tried to push their
way through the crowd, but in vain. The sick man looked about
him in unutterable anguish. How could he relinquish hope when the
longed-for help was so near? At his suggestion his friends bore him
to the top of the house and, breaking up the roof, let him down at
the feet of Jesus.
The discourse was interrupted. The Saviour looked upon the
mournful countenance and saw the pleading eyes fixed upon Him.
Well He knew the longing of that burdened soul. It was Christ who
had brought conviction to his conscience when he was yet at home.
When he repented of his sins and believed in the power of Jesus to
make him whole, the mercy of the Saviour had blessed his heart.
Jesus had watched the first glimmer of faith grow into a conviction
that He was the sinner’s only helper, and had seen it grow stronger
with every effort to come into His presence. It was Christ who had
drawn the sufferer to Himself. Now, in words that fell like music on
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the listener’s ear, the Saviour said, “Son, be of good cheer; thy sins
be forgiven thee.”
Matthew 9:2
.
The burden of guilt rolls from the sick man’s soul. He cannot
doubt. Christ’s words reveal His power to read the heart. Who can
deny His power to forgive sins? Hope takes the place of despair, and
joy of oppressive gloom. The man’s physical pain is gone, and his
whole being is transformed. Making no further request, he lay in
peaceful silence, too happy for words.
Many were watching with breathless interest every movement
in this strange transaction. Many felt that Christ’s words were an
invitation to them. Were they not soul-sick because of sin? Were
they not anxious to be freed from this burden?
But the Pharisees, fearful of losing their influence with the mul-
titude, said in their hearts, “He blasphemeth: who can forgive sins
but One, even God?”
Mark 2:7
, R.V.