When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”
Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, “Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?”
Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, “Why are you thinking these things? Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? 10 But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins. Mark 2:5-9
How many times had the man who was paralyzed asked of himself… “What did I do to deserve this?” “Did I commit a sin and invoke the wrath of God? Am I under a curse?” I imagine he asked God that question hundreds of times. Thank goodness for friends who loved him and brought him on a pallet to Jesus! Jesus, settles the sin question in his life by simply saying “Son, our sins are forgiven”. Its interesting that the faith of his friends is what initiated the encounter. But, I suspect the man had desired to reconcile with God for a long time. I wonder how many people are talking to God about their sin and life situation and simply need a friend to bring them to God (as they are… pallet an all).
Do I have friends who ‘bring me before the Lord’? Have I received the forgiveness of my sins? Do I let Jesus say those words to me each day “Son, your sins are forgiven”?
God, what a reminder this morning of the importance of forgiveness. Oh I need it. Oh I need to be sensitive and faith-filled to get my friends in front of Jesus to receive forgiveness too. I pray today would include big, bold, tear open the roof moments for someone.
