The Greatest Authority of All

Living Hope Presbyterian Church

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Matthew 8

1 And getting into a boat he crossed over and came to his own city. 2 And behold, some people brought to him a paralytic, lying on a bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.” 3 And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” 4 But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? 5 For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? 6 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he then said to the paralytic—“Rise, pick up your bed and go home.” 7 And he rose and went home. 8 When the crowds saw it, they were afraid, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to men.

ESV: The Holy Bible, English Standard Version ©2011 Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved.

Sermon Summary: The sermon delves into the story from Matthew chapter 9 where Jesus demonstrates His authority over sin and sickness. It emphasizes the importance of faith, forgiveness, and obedience in following Jesus. The narrative unfolds with Jesus forgiving a paralyzed man’s sins, leading to questions of authority and belief among the scribes, the healed man, and the observing crowd. The sermon challenges listeners to respond to Jesus’ authority by embracing forgiveness and eternal life.

Key Points:

• Following Jesus requires more than a mere decision; it necessitates faith, obedience, and acknowledging one’s need for Christ’s leadership.
• Jesus showcases His authority over creation, evil forces, and ultimately, sin through the healing and forgiveness of the paralyzed man.
• The story highlights the interconnectedness of faith, forgiveness, and obedience in responding to Jesus’ authority.

Bible Verses Mentioned:

• Matthew 9:1-8

Humor and Anecdotes:

• An anecdote about a man named Gary with MS who had a great sense of humor despite his condition. The speaker reminisces about helping Gary walk in a pool and their interactions filled with laughter.

Key Quotes:

• “Take heart, my son, your sins are forgiven.”
• “Faith and obedience are always together.”
• “Your sins are forgiven because I say that they’re forgiven.”

Themes:

• Authority of Jesus: The sermon explores Jesus’ authority over sin, sickness, and creation, emphasizing the significance of acknowledging His divine power.
• Faith and Obedience: The interconnectedness of faith, forgiveness, and obedience is highlighted as essential components of following Jesus.
• Forgiveness and Redemption: The story underscores the transformative power of forgiveness in healing both physically and spiritually.

Discussion Questions:

1. How does the concept of forgiveness play a central role in the story of the paralyzed man? How does it relate to our own need for forgiveness?
2. In what ways do faith and obedience intersect in the narrative? How can we apply these principles in our daily lives as followers of Jesus?
3. Reflecting on the reactions of the scribes, the healed man, and the crowd, how do different individuals respond to Jesus’ authority? How can we ensure our response aligns with faith and humility?

Metaphors and Stories:

• Paralyzed Man as Every Person: The paralyzed man symbolizes all individuals who are spiritually paralyzed by sin, emphasizing the universal need for forgiveness and healing through Jesus.
• Dinosaurs as Evidence and Inquiry: The analogy of dinosaurs represents the evidence presented to prompt questions and theories about Jesus’ identity and authority among the crowd.

This analysis provides a comprehensive breakdown of the sermon’s key elements, encouraging deeper reflection on its themes and messages.