Luke 5

“And when he saw their faith, he said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you” (v20).  The physical needs of Jesus’ day were serious: incurable diseases, blindness and lameness, leprosy.  Jesus healed people because of His great compassion and as signs of God’s kingdom.  Yet many, like this young man, didn’t realize that their deeper need was for forgiveness of sins.  Jesus came to forgive, heal, and restore “those who are sick” (v31) – meaning, all of us.  The tax collectors and sinners (v30) flocked to Him because they realized their need.

“We have seen extraordinary things today” (v26). Jesus’ most “extraordinary” miracles are invisible – breaking the bondage of sin, healing our hearts, healing relationships, and filling us with His peace.