In this passage, we not only see Jesus compassionately healing a leper and a paralytic, but claiming and proving himself to be the forgiver of sins. Though lepers were alienated from the life of the community, as a result of their uncleanness, Jesus willingly stretches out his hand to touch him. Why? To beautifully illustrate that God’s grace is greater than all of our sin, that he came to take our sinfulness upon himself in order that might be made whole. And though the paralyzed man was seeking physical healing, Jesus first announces that his sins are forgiven. Why? To show what is our greatest need. In this sermon, Pastor Dave demonstrates that while our God is certainly a healing God, our greatest need is the forgiveness of our sins found in the sacrificial death of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.