Your Sins Are Forgiven; Come, Follow Me
BRD REFLECTION 2026
Matthew 9:1-13 and Psalm 44:1-8 (NIV)
(Angela Tan from Small Group Ministry)
READ:
Matthew 9:1-13 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
In verses 1-8, we read about a group of friends bringing their paralysed friend to Jesus. I was struck by verse 2, which saw Jesus responding to the faith of the men who had brought their friend to Him, not only to that of the paralysed man. In verses 9-13, Matthew received the call to follow Jesus. His response was immediate. There was no hesitation, because Jesus knew his heart and deepest need. Matthew was ready. In response to the call to discipleship, he invited many of his fellow tax collectors and sinners to dine with Jesus (v10).
APPLY:
Jesus sees my faith and knows the thoughts of my heart (v4). He not only sees my external needs—my disabilities, sicknesses and troubles—but also knows my deepest need: to know that my sins are forgiven and that my relationship with God is restored.
When my daughter was diagnosed with cancer last year, my small group and many friends in church rallied to pray for her. We prayed not just for God’s mercy to heal her, but also for her to return to God. By His mercy, He has healed her physically. I am still praying for her to respond to Him and to receive His gift of eternal life.
My family members and friends may not be ready to receive Him, but by faith, I can present them to Jesus through my prayers, and by sharing His grace shown to me in our conversations and over shared meals. I need to proclaim what Jesus has done for me: He came for me while I was yet a sinner, to forgive my sins and to give me fullness of life.
DO:
I need to persevere in bringing family members, friends, and colleagues to Jesus. He sees their hearts and knows their needs. I need to walk closely with God, so that I can be sensitive to the working of the Holy Spirit, and turn mundane, ordinary conversations into intentional spiritual encounters for Jesus.
PRAY:
Father, I humbly come before You, recognising my sinfulness and my need for Your forgiveness. Thank You for cleansing me by Your blood and for allowing me to approach Your throne of grace and mercy. Help me to preach the Word, in season and out of season—to correct, rebuke, and encourage with great patience and careful instruction (2 Tim 4:2). In Jesus’ name, Amen.
