(Tuesday) Meeting the Greater Need

Scripture
Mark 2:5 - Impressed by their bold belief, Jesus said to the paraplegic, "Son, I forgive your sins."

This guy and his friends fight the crowd - to the point of removing the roof to lower him to Jesus. He had hope and expectations of Jesus in this moment. He cam to have his sins forgiven? No way! He wanted to walk.

Jesus knew why he was there. Everyone did. Jesus could have healed him in the way everyone expected, and no one would have been upset. Instead Jesus forgives his sins - a far greater need met. The presenting issue was serious, but didn't trump the greater issue - his soul sickness.

Jesus knew the religious men would be upset.

But he still took on the greater need first.

Often, the greater need requires ticking off people who don't understand the difference between a symptom and a cause. Healing the greater need requires risk. No one likes to be misunderstood. And, people don't necessarily get it themselves. But it is still the right thing to do.

Father, may I have the courage of Jesus to tack the greatest needs in people's lives when you place them in my path, and may I see the needs for what they are - even if others won't understand.