Cross in front of Founders Hall

Day

14

The Greatest Miracle

Lent 2021

Read Matthew 9:1-13

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. 9 As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him. 10 And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. 11 And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 12 But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 13 Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.

Matthew chapters 8 and 9 hold an accumulation of at least nine different miracles depending on how exactly you number the accounts. In the midst of all these miracles, Matthew records what he probably considered the greatest miracle of all: That Jesus, the Son of God, would turn to him, a sinner, and say, “Follow me.” For all the miracles that take place, there is no greater miracle than being called to faith, and given the gift of life. Take time today to reflect on that miracle which the Holy Spirit has worked in your life.

Prayer

Merciful Father, through Jesus Christ you have called me from death to life. What a lifesaving miracle that is. Thank you for that gift. Amen.

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