January 19, 2026

JESUS SHOWS MERCY TO ALL WHO COME TO HIM IN FAITH

Matthew 9:1-8  (HCSB)
The Son of Man Forgives and Heals
9 So He got into a boat, crossed over, and came to His own town. 2 Just then some men brought to Him a paralytic lying on a mat. Seeing their faith, Jesus told the paralytic, “Have courage, son, your sins are forgiven.”
3 At this, some of the scribes said among themselves, “He’s blaspheming!”
4 But perceiving their thoughts, Jesus said, “Why are you thinking evil things in your hearts? 5 For which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? 6 But so you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—then He told the paralytic, “Get up, pick up your mat, and go home.” 7 And he got up and went home. 8 When the crowds saw this, they were awestruck and gave glory to God who had given such authority to men.

Caitlyn Pratt
This week’s theme is Mercy Extended. In order to apply that to these verses, we must understand the significance of Jesus’ miracle. In verses 1-2, the paralyzed man’s friends bring him to Jesus with faith that Jesus will heal him. Jesus sees their faith and says, “Be encouraged my child! Your sins are forgiven.” After forgiving the man of his sins, Jesus healed him. Jesus first forgiving the paralyzed man of his sins and then healing him physically, held great meaning and is a valuable example of Jesus’ mercy. Often, we come to the Lord asking for outward change—but He starts with our heart. We can use these verses as a way of understanding that before God works on us physically, He will work on our heart and soul. God’s greatest gift to us is the forgiveness of our sins, His mercy. With His forgiveness and mercy, He will free us not only from physical paralysis, but from being paralyzed in our sins, guilt, and shame.