A Passion for JesusSample

After performing many miracles, people flocked to Jesus from every direction. On one occasion, Jesus was back in his hometown and the crowd around him was so large that a group of four friends couldn’t reach him. They were desperate. Their friend was paralyzed and could not walk. He needed healing. These friends decided they wouldn’t be stopped by a crowd.

They climbed up the building that Jesus was teaching from and removed part of the roof. Then, they lowered their paralyzed friend down in front of Jesus. When he saw their faith Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven” (Mark 2:5 ESV).

The Jews in Jesus’ day knew full well that this was a claim no man should make. They said to themselves (in verse 7), “Who can forgive sins but God alone?”

Our modern view of sin is often misguided. We think of sin like a mistake or an accident. We think it’s wrong because it harmed or upset someone. But sin is an offense against a holy God. It’s rebellion against our Maker. Sin opposes God’s word, God’s law and God’s character. Therefore, the only one who can pardon sin in an ultimate sense is God.

The Jewish leaders were not wrong to think only God can forgive sin. God revealed this about himself to Moses on Mount Sinai, saying, “The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin…” (Exodus 34:6 ESV).

This is why Jesus’ words were shocking: Jesus claimed he could forgive sin. This was something no prophet or priest would say. Jesus claimed to have the authority of God on earth to forgive. But forgiveness was not why the friends broke through the roof. They wanted healing.

Jesus knew this, but he also knew that sin is the root cause of all our brokenness and sickness. His way to heal the effect is to remove the cause. Therefore, Jesus declared the paralyzed man forgiven and then demonstrated it by healing him. His words would be justified by his deeds. The man rose up, picked up his bed and walked out. The whole crowd glorified God.

This healing was impressive. Forgiveness this free is the greater miracle. Our sin can be separated from us. Our guilt can be pardoned. There’s only one who has the authority to declare it. This is who Jesus claimed to be.

If this is true, what will you do?