The news that Jesus was returning to Capernaum excited the city, for there He had performed many wonders, and the people missed Him and the power He had manifested there. After all, during Christ's time on Earth, the sick were healed and the oppressed or possessed by evil spirits were set free (Matthew 8:16; 12:15). He is, in fact, Immanuel, God with us, and He will continue to be!

Upon entering that city, a centurion went to meet Jesus to beg Him to heal his servant, who was paralyzed and dreadfully tormented (v. 6). It was common for people to go to Christ to ask Him to heal them or do something for their family members. Jesus remains the same, but unfortunately, today, many have abandoned their faith in God and become entangled in mysticism. Believe in the Lord!

It is not wrong to seek medical help. Many think that because we pray and God answers us—healing, delivering, or giving prosperity to someone—we are against medicine. This is a mistake! If a person prays and nothing happens, they should urgently seek the help of doctors; after all, Jesus said: “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.” Matthew 9:12b. Everyone needs Christ to obtain salvation!

Every time Jesus was at the headquarters of His ministry, magnificent works were performed in people's lives, as happened to that paralytic who was carried by four friends to the place where Christ was teaching. The house was overcrowded, and since the crowd prevented them from entering, the friends climbed onto the roof with the sick man on his bed and lowered him down in front of the Master. Seeing him, Jesus said that his sins had been forgiven (Mark 2:1–5). Many laughed at the Lord!

The scribes who were there said that Jesus was blaspheming because they thought He was only a man and, as such, could not forgive sins (Mark 2:7). The Master, knowing what they were thinking in their hearts, asked them: “Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Arise, take up your bed and walk’?” v. 9. Unbelieving, the scribes were left without understanding, for Jesus had healed the sick man.

As always, those who did not believe were extremely angry at the miracle performed by God, but Jesus did not give up. The Lord knew that the devil wanted Him to react badly to the attacks against Him, and He did not fall into that trap. He then said to the sick man: “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” Mark 2:11. To everyone's amazement, he got up and went home walking.

Jesus does not enter a person's life so that they can continue in the same way. He wants them to become new creatures and have a full life. Remember: you are important to God; therefore, never join those who do not believe in the Lord, but rise up to obey Him. Be alert, for many will seek you out so that family members, friends, and employees may be healed, set free, and transformed by Christ!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares