Definition: And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 9:2. It’s a really beautiful and comforting passage about Jesus’ healing power. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: A Sick Person is Present: The verse tells us there’s someone suffering from palsy – a condition that causes stiffness and weakness in the muscles, especially in the legs and arms. Jesus Sees Their Faith: Jesus notices this person is struggling with their illness. He's observing their hope or belief. “Son, be of good cheer…” This is the key part. Jesus uses a familiar phrase – “Son” – to address the person. He’s saying, "It’s okay, son! Don’t worry." What Does It Mean? Healing: The verse essentially says that Jesus is healing this man. This isn't just about making him feel better; it's a literal physical restoration of his health. Forgiveness: The phrase "thy sins be forgiven thee" is the most profound part. “Sins” in this context refers to any wrongdoing – things we regret or think we’ve done wrong. Jesus says that his forgiveness is available to him. In a Nutshell: Jesus is offering comfort and hope to someone who is suffering from a serious illness. He's saying, "Don't be afraid! Your problems don't define you. I'm here to help you find peace." It’s about recognizing that even when we struggle, God offers forgiveness and healing. Why is this important? This story is often seen as a symbol of Jesus’ ability to forgive us for our mistakes and offer us a new beginning. It emphasizes that: God loves us: He wants to help us through our struggles. We are not alone: We don't have to carry the burden of our problems on our own. Hope is possible: Even when things seem hopeless, God can work miracles and offer forgiveness. Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, we could talk about: The context of the story – where it comes from in the Bible. What “palsy” means historically.