Matthew 9:1-8

This week Pastor Joby preached on Matthew 9:1-8. There were so many lessons in this short passage. 

First, Jesus looked at the paralytic and chose to forgive his sins before healing his body. It must have really confused everyone watching when Jesus said, “Your sins are forgiven”. I am sure they were expecting a physical miracle. But Jesus was doing something deeper—something eternal. He was addressing the man’s greatest need first. That makes me wonder how often I focus on the temporary when Jesus is working on something eternal. It makes me stop and reconsider what I often bring to Him first. If I’m honest, I usually come to God wanting relief—fix this situation, remove this burden, heal what feels broken on the outside. But in this moment, Jesus shows me that my deepest need isn’t always what I can see or feel… it’s what’s going on within my heart.

Second, the paralytic couldn’t get to Jesus on his own. He was completely dependent on others to carry him. There are seasons where I feel just like that—unable to move forward, needing others to carry me in faith when I don’t have the strength. Pastor Joby calls these people mat carriers—people that are willing to be truthful with us and willing to walk through hard times with us. Can I list my mat carriers? Or better yet—whose mat am I carrying?

Third, Jesus then tells the man to get up—and he does. I love that the man simply got up and went home. No hesitation. No questioning. Just obedience. There’s something so simple and beautiful in that response.

Lord, I want to trust You like that. And help me to come to You not just for what I want fixed on the outside, but for what needs healing on the inside. Remind me that forgiveness is the greater miracle. And when You speak, give me a heart that responds immediately—walking in the freedom You’ve already given.


And thank You… that You see me fully—both the parts I show and the parts I try to hide—and You still say, “Take heart.