Easier

Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? 10 But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the man, 11 “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” 12 He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”
- Mark 2:9-12
 
So, which is it? Which is easier?
 
One the one hand, it seems easier to say: “Get up, take your mat and walk.” This just sounds like ancient medicine with a little psychosomatic leverage.
 
The world and history are full of faith healers. Sure, they might be charlatans and snake oil salesmen, but sometimes people do get better under their ministrations. The placebo effect triggered by the words “Get up” climbs into the hearts of the sick and sparks hope. And the placebo effect is powerful.
 
Anyone can say the words.
 
But that’s true for the “Your sins are forgiven” too. How would anyone know? The crowd could see if the healing had affected the paralytic’s legs; they wouldn’t be able to test the effect of Jesus’ words on the man’s soul.
 
Anyone can say the words.
 
Which is easier? And was Jesus saying that he was doing what was easier (or that he had chosen the harder path)?
 
When the paralyzed man stands up, the crowd responds with amazement and praise for God. They tell themselves that this is unique. They make room for the man for the first time and watch as he walks out of the house, mat in hand.
 
Which is easier: to be amazed at the kindness of God or to respond to God with praise? Which will you try today?

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