Scripture: Mark 2:6-12 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, “Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone? Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, “Why are you thinking these things? Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” 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!”
Devotional: In every church there are people who are critical. Jesus certainly encountered that in His day. In fact, the ones who were critical of Him were so filled with hatred that they conspired to have Him crucified.
In the story of Jesus’ healing of the paralyzed man, the teachers of the law were so fixated on their own criticisms that they couldn’t even see or appreciate the miracles taking place before them. Their critical hearts blinded them to truth as Jesus forgave sins and healed the paralyzed man.
Did you notice that Jesus didn’t stop for the critics? He didn’t miss a beat in responding to the faith of the men before Him and going about His work of healing.
It’s a great reminder for you and I today – don’t be a critic, and don’t listen to a critic. We have a great calling and a sense of urgency in the church of Jesus Christ to carry out His mission. There’s simply no time or place for the critical- be among those who are amazed and praise God for His wonderful works.
Reflect:
- Take time to examine yourself. Do you struggle with a critical spirit? f so, ask God to help you take your critical thoughts captive to the obedience of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5) and focus on His wonderful works.