THE REAL PROBLEM
Today's reading:  Matthew 8-10

"Jesus climbed into a boat and went back across the lake to his own town.  Some people brought to him a paralyzed man on a mat.  Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, Be encouraged, my child!  Your sins are forgiven."  Matthew 9:1-2 NLT

Jesus saw the mat.  He saw the pain in the man's eyes--pain from being left out, pain from being left behind and pain from having prayed and prayed and no answers.

Jesus knew the need.  He saw a man needing a touch.  He saw a crowd excited to see what this Jesus-man could and would do.  He saw an opportunity to amaze and astound.

Jesus chose to save the man from his sins.

He later chose to heal him, giving him legs to stand and a heart filled with praise--but first, foremost He chose to draw him into a loving personal relationship that would get him through this life and in to the next.

Jesus knew there would always be pain.  Jesus knew walking wasn't as important as walking with Him in spirit.  Jesus knew that a healing touch here would eventually expire and life would place this man before the throne of judgement, a place where sins would have to have been forgiven.

Jesus knew that a relationship was more important than comfort, salvation more important than health, what we need more important that what we want.

He knew the real problem and took care of it--He will do the same for you!