Mark 2:2-12 ASV and Mark 2:17 ASV

Love this! Everyone had dropped in for the freakshow- they knew they'd see the miracles the had heard about. This Jesus guy was going to "perform" for them. But then, He breaks out with a priority check... instead of immediately healing this man, He forgives him first. Whaaaaa? You can't do that! We came to see the big magic show- the tricks! Who does this Jesus think He is!? Oh, but He IS. He not only has authority over sickness and disease- He could heal everybody's hearts and reconcile them to God. That's intense. Folks who thought they were coming to see the sick get healed may have realized in that moment that, "Wow. I need this guy. I'm not paralyzed, but I'm sick.." We all need forgiveness. Thank you Jesus for coming to make us whole.
(Props to the borthers that lowered this man down from the celing, too. Those are some good friends!)