“Now some of the experts in the law were sitting there, turning these things over in their minds: “Why does this man speak this way? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?”
Now immediately, when Jesus realized in his spirit that they were contemplating such thoughts, he said to them, “Why are you thinking such things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Stand up, take your stretcher, and walk’? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins,” – he said to the paralytic – “I tell you, stand up, take your stretcher, and go home.” And immediately the man stood up, took his stretcher, and went out in front of them all. They were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!” —Mark 2:6-12
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” -Jesus, John 10:10Shock waves spread throughout the crowd as the paralytic picked up his mat and walked home. What a dramatic scene–leaving those present–including the teachers of the law–both wide-eyed and wide mouthed! A miraculous event had just occurred–something too hard for mere man to accomplish–the finger marks of God were the only explanation for this man’s healing. I am reminded of God’s Word to Sarah in Genesis when she laughed out loud upon hearing she would have a child in her old age:
“The LORD said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Will I really have a child when I am old?’ Is anything impossible for the LORD? I will return to you when the season comes round again and Sarah will have a son.” —Genesis 18:13-14
Considering our limitations, isn’t it comforting to know that nothing is too hard for God? Offended by Jesus’ words of forgiveness, the religious leaders present–in a surly and contemptuous tone–regarded our Lord as a blasphemer. He was talking as if He was God! This was a severe and sinful affront, punishable by death from stoning. Knowing their thoughts, Jesus confronts their hostile accusations. Over and over again in Scripture we are told our Lord knew the thoughts of those around Him. He needs no human help in evaluating people, He is aware of what is in one of us–that is why He came–to give us back life!
God’s powers are inseparable–the One who knows the thoughts of men can certainly forgive sins as well as heal the lame. Thoughts of talk being cheap swirled through the heads of the teachers of the law, surmising that Jesus had claimed to forgive sins because it was easier than healing the man. They were about to have the proverbial pie in their faces when–in obedience to Jesus’ Word–the paralytic up and walked home! Jesus proved His power to forgive sins by demonstrating His power to heal. There could be no doubt in their minds that the Son of Man possessed the achieving power He rightly claimed. Unfortunately, the truth turned their hearts even harder, they were simply unwilling to believe and embrace it. But this truth about Jesus was proclaimed in the Old Testament by the prophet Isaiah:
“I, I am the one who blots out your rebellious deeds for my sake; your sins I do not remember.” —Isaiah 43:25
Micah also said:
“Who is a God like you? Who forgives sin and pardons the rebellion of those who remain among his people? Who does not stay angry forever, but delights in showing loyal love?” —Micah 7:18
In the New Testament John tells us:
“He himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for our sins but also for the whole world.” —1 John 2:2
And the response of the crowd?
“And immediately the man stood up, took his stretcher, and went out in front of them all. They were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!” —Mark 2:12
Take It to Heart
“Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.” —Thomas V. Moore
Jesus knows what is in our hearts–that’s why He came–to give us back life. Forgiveness of sins is a divine miracle of grace.
“Salvation means that we are brought to the place where we are able to receive something from God on the authority of Jesus Christ, namely, forgiveness of sins … Forgiveness is the divine miracle of grace.” —Oswald Chambers
Further Reflections
Now while he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many people saw the miraculous signs he was doing and believed in his name. But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all men. He did not need man’s testimony about man, for he knew what was in a man. —John 2:23-25