“Jesus … said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’ Now some teachers of the law were … thinking … ‘Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?’”
Mark 2:5-7
As the formerly paralyzed man walked away, people were utterly amazed. However, the amazement felt by the religious leaders turned to rage. They believed only Almighty God could heal, and that sin was the cause of illness. This healing was hard enough for them to live with. But the forgiving of sins? It was blasphemous! Only God could do that.
Jesus confronted them saying, “Which is easier: to say… ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” (vv.8-10). To show He could both heal and forgive, Jesus said to the man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home” (v. 11). I imagine him striding off right past the religious leaders!
Think about it: if healing is divine, then Jesus is divine. If He’s divine, He can forgive sins. Since only God can forgive sins (v. 7), the religious leaders had no way out. Either Jesus was the Messiah, or He was the greatest imposter they’d ever seen.
Is Jesus God or not? What’s your answer?
Jesus confronted them saying, “Which is easier: to say… ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” (vv.8-10). To show He could both heal and forgive, Jesus said to the man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home” (v. 11). I imagine him striding off right past the religious leaders!
Think about it: if healing is divine, then Jesus is divine. If He’s divine, He can forgive sins. Since only God can forgive sins (v. 7), the religious leaders had no way out. Either Jesus was the Messiah, or He was the greatest imposter they’d ever seen.
Is Jesus God or not? What’s your answer?
Scripture Focus
Mark 2:1-12
Insight
In Matthew 16:15 Jesus asked Peter, “Who do you say I am?” Jesus is asking you the same question.
Bible In A Year
- Genesis 10-11
- Psalm 5
- Matthew 8-9