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JESUS’ POWER TO FORGIVE SINS
WEDNESDAY, MAY 7
Mark 2:1-12

Acts 2:22-24

 

“…Son, thy sins

be forgiven thee.”

 

JESUS’ POWER TO FORGIVE SINS
 
A certain paralysed man wanted to see Jesus but could not get into the house because of the crowd. He had four friends who helped him. In an attempt to get him in, they climbed up the roof, and lowered him down from there. Jesus commended them for their faith. Their persistence revealed their true belief in Him and His power to save. “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Heb 11:6). Jesus forgave the paralytic man of his sins. This was a most gracious act. Although He had yet to make the all-necessary final atonement for sins, the pardon was still applicable and efficacious. Although His once-for-all sacrifice was yet future, it was considered a surety. God controls history, and all that He has foreordained will surely come to pass.
 
It was clear that Jesus is the Son of God. His miracles throughout all Galilee testified to that. He truly has the power to forgive sins. The Pharisees and scribes knew this. They thus questioned the authority of Jesus among themselves not because of ignorance, but unbelief. They were absolutely without faith. They refused to believe that Jesus is God Himself. “How can Jesus forgive sins if He is not God? This is blasphemy!” they reasoned among themselves. Jesus knew their evil thoughts, and began to prove His authority and power. How did He do it? By means of a miracle! Jesus told the paralytic, “Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.” He did as he was told. This man who could not walk at all, who had to be stretchered in, could now walk out of the house carrying the very stretcher on which he had lain. He was not only spiritually healed, but also physically. All were awestruck by the wonderful things seen and glorified God.
 
Jesus proved to the people in no uncertain terms by His miracles that He was sent by God, and that His Words were true. But it is tragic that Israel was so blind to the Truth.
 
THOUGHT: Which is easier to say? “Thy sins be forgiven thee,” or “Arise… and walk”?

PRAYER: Father, I confess my sins. Forgive me.

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