Perhaps to know the purpose of any one thing is key to understanding it. If we are absent or unknowing of the purpose we might also be absent of the meaning. In light of this premise, it is easy to see how Jesus has been misunderstood and misused over the years. I wonder how many think of Jesus as the “fixer” of their problems instead of the Savior of their souls? How many consider Him as the One who solves their current issues, but fail to see Him as their Redemption and Hope?
The purpose of Jesus was never more in question than it was in Matthew 9.
A sick man is lying on a bed. His illness has obviously crippled his movement. As soon as Jesus saw him, He said unto him, Matthew 9:2 “Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.” It is quite apparent that the Lord would have moved on had it not been for certain of the scribes who murmured at His statement. They said, “this man blasphemes.” Jesus knew what they were thinking and said to them, “what is easier, saying ‘thy sins are forgiven; or ‘arise and walk?”
Now comes the grand finale. Jesus said, “I’m going to heal this man just so all of you will know that I have the power to forgive sins.” In a swift motion, the Lord established His earthly purpose. He came to redeem mankind from the bonds of sin. He came to pay the price that sin demanded. His purpose was the Cross and Golgotha’s Hill. Healing was a byproduct of His goodness and compassion, but redemption was His purpose.
I want there to be healings and miracles among the people of God. I believe that He can remove every sickness and disease from our physical bodies. However, the healing of the soul is far greater than the mending of the body. We will all die. It is an appointment that everyone will keep. The soul will live forever and that part needs to hear the words of the Savior, “Thy sins are forgiven.”
While I am grateful for a healing in my physical body, it means nothing if I am still lost and blind. If every disease is removed and every ailment mended, I am still undone unless my sins are washed away. His purpose was to “Seek and to Save that which was lost.” He came to be The Sacrificial Lamb, the atonement for our sin. He came to pay the price and offer Himself a ransom for the world.
I want to be healed, but I must be saved.
Pastor Jeffrey Harpole