10th Day of Lent, March 15, 2025

Mark 2:1-12 <- Click to read now

What’s interesting is these religious teachers said only God can forgive sins, but they never seemed to point out any ways God actually “did” forgive sins.  It was always about what to do and what not to do, and it never seemed to be enough.  I’d like to say these religious teachers changed their tune after seeing how this man was healed, but this is just Mark, chapter two.  They didn’t change their tune, and they only solidified their resolve to reject Jesus more and more with each passing moment.

There is plenty of encouragement in what we see from this man who was forgiven and healed, but I would also encourage you to take notice of what not to do.  Let’s not blind our own eyes to God’s glory by holding onto resentment, whether it be from a past experience we wanted to go differently or a current pain we can’t shake.  Let’s actively seek to learn from Jesus and grow closer with him each day.

Holy God, You never cease to amaze us in Your care for us.  Strengthen our desire to be close to Jesus, and closer with one another, that we might bring You glory in the way we become more like Jesus.  Amen.