Faith That Brings Us to Jesus

A Sermon on Matthew 9:1–8 (NKJV)

Invocation Prayer

Heavenly Father, We come before You today with hearts open to Your truth. As we study Your Word, illuminate our minds and soften our spirits to receive the message You have for us. Help us to be like the faithful friends who carried the paralytic to Jesus. And may we, too, be moved by faith, trusting that You know what we need more than we do. May Your name be glorified in our hearing and in our doing. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

Introduction: The Scene in Capernaum

In Matthew 9:1–8, Jesus has returned across the Sea of Galilee to His home base in Capernaum. Word of His power and teaching has spread, and a large crowd fills the house where He is speaking. Among the crowd are religious scribes, likely present to scrutinize His teachings.

Into this packed environment comes an act of great faith: a paralytic is brought by his friends, hoping to receive healing. But they cannot reach Jesus through the crowd. In a determined act (more detailed in Mark 2), they climb the roof, break it open, and lower the man down into the very presence of Christ.

What follows is not only a miracle of healing but a powerful declaration of Jesus’ divine authority. In this moment, Jesus reveals what He values most—not just the body, but the soul.

I. Faith That Overcomes Obstacles (vv. 1–2)

“Then behold, they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith…” (v. 2a)

This moment begins not with the paralytic’s faith, but with the faith of his friends. We are told that Jesus saw their faith—not merely the need, not the paralysis, not the crowd, but the persistent belief of those who brought him.

Their path was not easy. The crowd blocked every entrance. But they would not give up. The book of Mark tells us they removed part of the roof and lowered him down. They believed that if they could just get him to Jesus, something powerful would happen.

We often think of faith as personal—and indeed it is. But in this story, we see that faith can also be intercessory. Sometimes, others carry us when we cannot move ourselves. And sometimes, we are the ones called to carry others in prayer, encouragement, and perseverance.

What was the initial situation of the paralytic when introduced in Matthew 9:1-8?

What does Jesus’ prioritization of forgiveness over physical healing signify about His understanding of human needs?

How can we reflect the faith of the paralytic’s friends in our own lives?

How can we encourage and support others in their faith journeys like the friends of the paralytic did?

Illustration:

Think of the person who first brought you to church or first shared the gospel with you. You might not have had the strength or understanding to go to Jesus on your own, but someone else’s faith lifted you.

II. Forgiveness Before Healing (vv. 2–6a)

“Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you.” (v. 2b)

Everyone expected Jesus to say, “Be healed.” Instead, He says, “Your sins are forgiven.” This is not what the friends had in mind. Their expectation was physical healing, but Jesus addressed the man’s deepest need—his sin.

This declaration shocked the scribes. In Jewish understanding, only God could forgive sins. For Jesus to say this was either divine or blasphemous.

Knowing their thoughts, Jesus questions them: “Why do you think evil in your hearts?” (v. 4)

He reads them instantly. Their theology is correct: only God can forgive sins. But they fail to see that God is standing before them in the person of Jesus Christ.

Why did Jesus question the thoughts of the scribes in the context of forgiveness?

Jesus uses this moment not only to heal the man physically but to declare His divine identity. He proves He has authority not just to restore bodies but to redeem souls. Which is the very reason He became incarnate.

Why did Jesus question the thoughts of the scribes in the context of forgiveness?

How does the story illustrate the link between physical healing and spiritual forgiveness?

What does the statement 'Your sins are forgiven' reveal about Jesus’ identity and authority?

Doctrinal Emphasis:

Jesus does not ignore the man’s physical pain—but He shows that spiritual healing is more important. The order matters. Forgiveness comes first. It’s not always what we ask from God that He gives—it’s what we need. And we all need forgiveness and reconciliation to our God.

III. Glorifying God in All Things (vv. 6b–8)

“Arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” (v. 6b)

Once the man is forgiven, Jesus then heals him, confirming His divine authority. The healing is instantaneous and visible—there is no delay, no rehabilitation. The man walks out in full view of all.

The response? “They marveled and glorified God, who had given such power to men.” (v. 8)

The crowd is stunned. They had come to hear a teacher. They leave having witnessed the power of God. This moment draws them to praise, as it should. It should also cause us to praise God even to this day for these signs and wonders denoting the person and work of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

What was the reaction of the crowd after witnessing Jesus heal the paralytic?

In what ways can we publicly glorify God when we witness His work in our lives?

Contemporary Application:

When God works in our lives—whether through healing, provision, or salvation—our response should be to glorify Him. Not ourselves. Not the Doctors. Not the church. Not the Pastor. Not chance. But God alone.

Application

Be a Friend of Faith

Just like the paralytic’s companions, your faith can make a difference in someone’s eternal life. Keep praying. Keep inviting. Keep interceding.

2. Trust God to Give What You Need, Not Just What You Want God’s priorities are eternal. He may not give immediate relief, but He gives eternal restoration. Trust His timing and wisdom.

3. Glorify God Publicly Make much of God when He moves in your life. Let your gratitude and testimony be loud. Your praise might lead others to believe.

Conclusion and Invitation

This story is not just about a paralyzed man—it is about all of us. We are spiritually paralyzed by sin, unable to come to Jesus on our own. But by God’s grace, someone—maybe a parent, friend, or stranger—has brought us to the feet of Christ.

Jesus sees your heart. He knows what you’re carrying. And today, He still speaks the same words:

“Be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you.”

If you have never trusted in Jesus Christ, now is the time. Come to the One who not only heals bodies but forgives sins and makes souls whole.

If you already know Him, consider: Who are you bringing to Jesus today? Whose burdens are you helping to carry? And in everything, are you giving God the glory?