Chaplains’ Chat

If someone was to ask us what our greatest need in life was, I am sure we would get a variety of responses. Perhaps in our current climate many would say peace in our world, others would say physical health, others would say a strengthening of relationships while others might say help with housing affordability. These are all valid points to make, and they are certainly important aspects in any life. But are these our greatest need? What indeed are those constants in life that continue to be important in our lives?

When Jesus lived, it is interesting that he lived in times of great upheaval in a land that was ruled by the Roman Empire. He comes across many people with physical ailments and diseases, he knew that relationships were important and vital and yet he also knew that while houses were important, they were not his permanent home. Instead in Mark 2:1-12 Jesus reminds a paralysed man and those listening that their greatest need is forgiveness. God graciously heals this man in the passage, but it points to an even greater need that Jesus satisfies for him, namely a relationship with God built on forgiveness (“Son, your sins are forgiven” in Mark 2:5). The gracious provision of Jesus to this man points to the gracious provision of Jesus to all of us that we can have in knowing forgiveness and love with God. Our greatest need is satisfied, which carries us through this life and into the next. What a wonderful and gracious God we read of in the Bible.

Rev Anthony Benn
Chaplain