Forgiving and healing of the paralytic

Jesus forgave this man before healing him, and told him to be of good cheer. He was not yet healed; nothing had changed. In fact this created a stir of controversy against Jesus, while the man still lay paralyzed before him. Thus let us learn that the forgiveness of sins if of paramount importance, and if we have this, if we receive this here in the holy absolution and at the altar, we already have the greatest thing, and have reason already to be of good cheer. As Jesus said, Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added. Sermon for First Sunday in Michaeltide.  Video is unavailable while Facebook is down.