Perceiving in the Spirit

The house was packed, and those gathered were listening intently to Jesus. Yet the atmosphere changed instantly when four men lowered a paralyzed friend through the roof on a pallet. When Jesus spoke to the man, it was not about his body or physical problems, but about his spiritual condition. He said, “Son, your sins are forgiven” (v. 5).

There were scribes in that crowded room who must have been interested in Jesus’ teaching. They seemed to have been listening. But at least some of these men found Jesus’ statement to the paralytic to be intolerable. To them, He was “blaspheming.” They silently wondered, “Who can forgive sins but God alone?” (v. 7)

Even though no words were spoken, Jesus “immediately” sensed what was happening in their hearts and minds. He became “aware in His Spirit” of their “reasoning.” He was so in tune with the Spirit that He knew their thoughts and could be thoroughly acquainted with their inner lives. He did not need to hear them speak. Through the power of the Spirit, He sensed every word, even the things they thought were private.

This was a demonstration of the power of the Holy Spirit in the life of Jesus. His power could penetrate even seemingly impenetrable places and sense inner thoughts, just as clearly as if hearing a person speak words aloud. Jesus was confident of the voice of the Spirit, who gave Him absolute discernment.

This same power is available to all who are filled with the Spirit. But it will require great sensitivity, willingness to listen to the Spirit and discern what He’s saying, and a level of confidence like Jesus displayed.

Today, ask God to give you greater discernment. Be filled with the Spirit and learn to be more sensitive to His voice.