These are just my thoughts, so if anyone has something different, definitely let me know. This question I am not sure of.

We know that at the time the Pharisees and other religious rulers of that time were meticiously trying to uphold every aspect of the Law. In fact, they had continually added more and more laws to the original Torah that Moses had given them.

However, in so doing, they had developed a works based mentality where they were trying to earn their way into heaven. Sadly, this is something that we all too often try to do ourselves also. Especially for me, living in an American society where everything is individualistic and the things you want you go out and get for yourself on your own, this idea is prevalent.

The rich man who came up to Jesus was trying this very thing. 'Good teacher, what must I do to inherit the keys of heaven...'

But Jesus saw right through this by asking him why he called Him good. Scripture clearly tells us that "ALL have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God."

Yet, these people though that what they had would bring them to Heaven, and furthermore they lorded it over those who had been privaleged enough to receive these words and teachings. They, like we do sometime, judge others by calling them "sinners." (When Jesus was dining with them)

I must remember that I too am a Gentile. One who is described as a wild shoot who has been grafted into the vine. God does not show partiality and has forgiven all of my debts and transgressions. So I must not judge others for the same sins that I myself have done and/or may do in the future.

God blessed Abraham in Gen 22:17-18 in order that he might be a blessing to others. Also, as God has called me into His kingdom and poured his light into me, I must not keep it hidden. I too have been blessed in order to be a blessing to others. God has told us to preach His good news to the four corners of the earth. Just as God does not show partiality, I must not as well.

God desires that none should perish, but instead come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9)

This then is the new commandment that we are to follow. Scripture tells us that if we do this and that, great and mighty things, but have not love, then we are NOTHING.

Love is the precept for which we can even have the strength and ability to do anything else that God calls us to do.

Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." Colassians 3:13b-14

There is a lot to unpack and look at in that short sentence from Matthew 9:2 "Take courage my son, your sins are forgiven."

The first think I thought of was of course the people's reaction to saying this to the paralytic instead of healing him of his physical disease. Jesus saw and knew that THIS was our greatnest need. The physical disease pales in comparision to the spiritual disease that He had.

Jesus even talked of this when He said: "Which is easier: to say, 'Your sins are forgiven, ' or to say, 'Get up and walk'?

For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world yet forfeits his soul?

John 6:27 "Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you."

Don't work and spend your whole life trying to fix the physical problems/needs of your life. Look at the truest and greatnest need that you have! On this all of the other needs rest. It would have been a shame to have this physical need met and then later on die and not receive eternal life.

God fixed the greatest need first, and THEN fixed the other need too. He did both!

Also, telling the man to take courage. I see this in 1 John also in 2:12-14 He gives the readers strength and encouragement.

"I write to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on accout of his name."
Young men: overcoming the evil one through the blood of Jesus Christ and it's power

Young men: being strong because the word of God lives IN them. They have the full armor of God and NOTHING can seperate them from the love of Jesus Christ.

Matthew 16:18 "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it."

I tell you that you are ______, and you have been predestined. Being that I have predestined you from the beginning of time, I have also called you to a higher calling. Being that I have called you, I have also justified you freely through the blood of my son. Being that I have justified you, I now glorify you as you will be seated with me in the heavenly realms as my child. You are my bride and I am the bridegroom, of whom I will return to you and take you to myself.  (Romans 8:30)