And behold, some people brought to him a paralytic, lying on a bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.”

Matthew 9:2 ESV

The word had spread around town that Jesus was a miracle worker. So, the paralytic man’s friends got to work. They carried their friend to Jesus on a bed, hoping to see a miracle. What happened next surprised everyone. Jesus compassionately tells the sick man that his sins are forgiven. Wait a minute! His friends sought healing for sickness, but Jesus started with his sins. The religious leaders thought this was outrageous and called Jesus out for blaspheming. Only God can forgive sins. Who does Jesus think he is?

Jesus is the Savior who brings forgiveness to humanity. He knows that our sinful hearts are the true source of all our brokenness. Sickness and death weren’t part of God’s original design. But, they became part of the story when we chose to rebel against God’s perfect order. The good news is that God is merciful and offers forgiveness for sins in Jesus’ name. That’s why Jesus came. He came to die on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins.

So, Jesus starts there with the paralytic man. Jesus responds to the friends’ faith and heals the paralytic man from the inside out. He heals both the soul and the body. The healing was a powerful demonstration of Jesus’ authority to heal sin and sickness. What an awesome gift Jesus offers us that our sins can be forgiven? I’m sure the paralytic man was dancing for joy that evening and thanking God for this most precious gift.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:9

Receiving forgiveness takes humility and acknowledging that we’ve messed up. 1 John 1:9 reminds us that confession is linked to forgiveness. God is willing to give us the gift of forgiveness. But he gives it to those who humbly confess that they’ve done what is wrong.

The other day, I was in a meeting and said some things out of pride and self-defense. The words left my mouth without careful thought about the harm they might cause. Reflecting on the conversation later in the day, I knew I’d messed up. My words could have hurt feelings, and didn’t care well for others. I felt bad inside. But I remembered God is merciful. So, I confessed my sin to Jesus. I confessed my pride and hurtful actions. I received God’s forgiveness once again. Then, I prayerfully took steps to show honor to my coworker that I had slighted. I followed Jesus in a new and better direction of love and humility.

There is a great scene in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker where Kylo Ren reconnects with his dad, Han Solo, on a cliff overlooking the ocean. Kylo Ren realizes in this moment that he has done terrible things. He ran away from home and pursued the dark side. He sought power and control. He became evil like his grandfather–Darth Vader. But, now, at this moment, he’s sorry. He wants to change. So, through tears, he tries to tell his dad he’s so sorry. Seeing his son struggle for the words, his dad graciously says, “I know.” Kylo Ren throws his lightsaber into the ocean and becomes Ben Solo again. He’s changed by confession and forgiveness. He comes home and is a new person.

In the same way, we all can come home to our heavenly Father and be forgiven. If you carry the guilt and shame of sin, know God is ready to forgive you in Jesus. Receive God’s forgiveness today in Christ. Confess your sins and start fresh. Jesus has the authority, and he’s made a way for you to be a new person. Tell him you are sorry and know that he forgives you completely.

Prayer: Jesus, I’m sorry for my sins. I know that I’ve messed up. Please forgive me today. Thank you for dying on the cross so that I can be forgiven. I trust you and will follow you today wherever you lead me. Please, fill me now with your love and righteousness. I pray in your merciful name. Amen.