Selective Belief

Selective Belief

As I read this passage I had a thought. Jesus initially said that the paralyzed man’s sins were forgiven. The righteous leaders of that day felt some kind of way about Jesus thinking He had the authority to forgive sin. Jesus’ response is one on which we should meditate. 

He asks the question, “which is easier…” He then proceeds to heal the man in their sight. The healing was more informative than it seemed on the surface. 

If by Jesus’ word, the paralyzed man was healed, then by Jesus’ word, his sin was forgiven. This rocked the religious leaders’ world. 

Why?

Because Jesus was displaying actual authority in the name of God. Their authority was from other Jewish leaders. It could not stand against the authority of Jesus Christ. They could not “afford” to fully believe that Jesus had the authority to forgive sin, even though they watched Him heal the paralyzed man. 

Do you have selective belief? You see God working in one area of your life, but you refuse to believe He’s working in another area because you’re not willing to make a sacrifice of this thing you “love/cherish?” 

Spend time with God today. Ask Him to show you areas of your life where you are practicing selective belief. When He shows you, make the appropriate changes to your life. He’s waiting. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Matthew 9:4-8

4 Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, “Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts? 5 Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? 6 But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the paralyzed man, “Get up, take your mat and go home.”7 Then the man got up and went home. 8 When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe; and they praised God, who had given such authority to man.

Today’s Readings:

Matthew 9:1-17; Proverbs 3:9-10