Meditation
POWER ON EARTH TO FORGIVE SINS
Text: Luke 5
26 March 2023
THE HUMBLE MINISTRY OF THE LORD JESUS
The Lord Jesus ministered in the most humble way when He walked on earth. His ministry of preaching, teaching, healing and casting out of demons should have caused people to consider His true identity. But only a handful of Disciples understood who He was and they followed Him!
THE HEALING OF A PARALYTIC
The dramatic healing of a paralytic was unparalleled. Four faithful friends had brought their good friend to the Lord Jesus for healing.
20 When He saw their faith, He said to him, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.”
21 And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?”
22 But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, He answered and said to them, “Why are you reasoning in your hearts?
23 Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise up and walk’?
24 But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—He said to the man who was paralyzed, “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.”
25 Immediately he rose up before them, took up what he had been lying on, and departed to his own house, glorifying God.
26 And they were all amazed, and they glorified God and were filled with fear, saying, “We have seen strange things today!” Luke 5:20-26
1. “Your sins are forgiven”
a) This was a startling statement to make
b) “The Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins!”
2. The astonishment felt by many
a) They praised God for the healing of the paralytic
b) They were filled with awe but they did not come to faith in the Son of Man
3. The anger of the religious leaders
a) They could not accept what the Lord Jesus said about the forgiveness of sins
b) But they could also not deny the notable miracle that had taken place
THE SON OF MAN
The Son of Man was a title that the Lord Jesus wore. He was way more than just an esteemed Teacher. He was more than a Miracle Worker. He was the Son of Man who possessed great authority to forgive sins!