Forgiveness

Luke 5: 21-26

“21 The Pharisees and the teachers of the law began thinking to themselves, “Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone? 22 Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? 23 Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? 24 But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the paralyzed man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” 25 Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God. 26 Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, “We have seen remarkable things today.”

Jesus forgave the sins of the man whose friends had lowered him through the ceiling to be healed.  Sin and suffering were closely linked in ancient Israel and Jews thought that suffering was caused by sin.  Often the person suffering felt a keen sense of sin weighing on them.

This may have been the case with this man.  Without the forgiveness of his sins, the man would not have believed he could be healed.  So, Jesus forgave him.

I have met people whose past sins weigh them down in such a way that they cannot move forward in their relationship with God.  They cannot believe that Christ can forgive them.

Christ came that all who believe and confess their sins can be forgiven.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John:1:9)

May the love of Christ be with you,

Rev. Eric Lanier (Retired)