Every one of us has critics. In Matthew 9, men carry a paralytic to Jesus, and before He heals the body He speaks to the deeper need: “Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.” The scribes say within themselves, “This man blasphemeth.” Jesus reads their hearts, rebukes them with a question rather than a curse, and then raises the man to walk. As St. John Chrysostom observed, their blasphemy did God no harm; the one who blasphemed was the one wounded.
Preacher: Fr. Steve Macias
Occasion: The Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity (1928 Lectionary)
Scripture: Matthew 9:1–8; Ephesians 4:17–32
Three Things from This Passage
- Christ sees the sickness beneath the hostility. Hurt people hurt people. Our opponents need the same Physician we do, and no sneer of theirs makes Christ’s throne wobble.
- Christ’s mercy reveals our own need for healing. Criticism stings most when it is nearly true. Forgiven people can look for the morsel of truth in every rebuke and practice the discipline of not having the last word.
- Christ heals us into people who carry others. Jesus saw the faith of those who carried the corners of the bed. Christian strength exists to bring the powerless, and even our enemies, to the Lord who restores.
Christ met us as enemies and made us His own. Now He teaches us to desire the same mercy for those who oppose us. As St. Augustine counsels, wish your enemy your equal, that you may both be one under Christ. The forgiveness that raised the paralytic still restores broken homes, friendships, and nations.
Join us for worship at Saint Paul’s Anglican Church, 101 N El Monte Ave., Los Altos, on Sundays at 10:30 AM, with a fellowship meal after the service. Plan your visit.
