Our Biggest Problem

          One of my favorite Bible stories is found in Mark chapter 2.  It's a well known story, that no doubt you have heard before.  It's the story of the paralyzed man that was lowered down, through a hole in the roof, on a mat right in front of Jesus.  You probably know the basics of that story.
                          -A man was paralyzed
                          -No room in the house
                          -Friends dug a hole in the roof
                          -Lowered the guy right in front of Jesus
          Here comes the interesting part to me.  The guy wanted to get to Jesus so that He could heal him and he would be able to walk again.  Pretty simple right.  He had a physical problem.  So he, and his friends, thought that Jesus was the best answer for his situation.  These 4 guys went to a lot of trouble from tearing up the roof, carrying the guy on top of the house, and some how lowering him down into the house right in front of where Jesus was.  These friends would do absolutely anything for this paralyzed man (as obvious by the fact that they tore up someone else's house just to get to Jesus).  The only thing they had on their mind was healing, healing, and more healing for their friend.

HERE'S THE CRAZY PART

          Jesus' first words to this guy was, "Son, your sins are forgiven."  Think about this entire story.  The effort, work, and courage it took to get this guy to Jesus so that he can be healed.  They were expecting Jesus to say, "You are healed".  And what they heard was, "Son, your sins are forgiven".  I wonder if these guys were upset?  I wonder if the paralyzed man himself was upset?  Their expectations were healing.  Their work was for healing.  Their passion was for healing.  But Jesus says, "Son, your sings are forgiven".  

          Maybe our biggest problem in life today is not your physical body.  Maybe our biggest problem in life is not our finances.  Maybe our biggest problem in life is not our social life.  Maybe our biggest problem in life is not our relationships.  

What If Our Biggest Problem In Life Is The Forgiveness Of Our Sins

          Obviously that was the first thing on Jesus' mind.  When these guys come seeking physical healing, Jesus heals the soul.  When was the last time you took your eyes off of your physical life and asked God to heal your heart and soul.  Our biggest problem is not resources, finances, physical, social, or educational.  Our biggest problem is our heart and soul.

          David Platt says it this way, "The Good News of Christ is not primarily that jesus will heal you of all your sickness right now, but ultimately that Jesus will forgive you of all your sins forever.  The Good News of Christ is not that if you muster enough faith in Jesus, you can have physical and material reward on this earth.  The Good News of Christ is that when you have childlike faith in Jesus, you will be reconciled to God for eternity."