True Authority
Opening Prayer
Open my inner eyes, Lord, and help me to see Your truth. I bow before the majesty and truth of Your holy Word.
Read Mark 2:1-12
[1] A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. [2] So many gathered that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. [3] Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of them. [4] Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on. [5] When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” [6] Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, [7] “Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” [8] 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? [9] Which is easier: to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? [10] But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins…” He said to the paralytic, [11] “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” [12] He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!” Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What self-affirmation did Jesus make here?While Jesus had been away, the people of Capernaum hadn’t lost their taste for the miraculous. As soon as he returned, there they were again, like moths to the light. But this time some of them got more than they bargained for—the religious leaders in particular.
Jesus’ response to the paralyzed man reached right to the heart of the man’s deepest need. And in addressing his spiritual healing, Jesus was fulfilling his core mission. But his words set off warning bells jangling in religious teachers, who knew heresy when they saw it. Only God could forgive sins.
Yes, in one way the teachers were right. Jesus was claiming divine authority for his actions. His use of the title “Son of Man” to describe himself, rather than the politically charged “Messiah,” points to his unique role as both representative of humankind and mediator of God’s power on earth. What the religious leaders couldn’t cope with was that Jesus was who he claimed to be. He still is. When on earth he had the power to heal and forgive sins.
Apply
How have you responded to Jesus’ claims? What do you believe about him? Ask forgiveness for any reluctance to believe him.
Closing prayer
Lord Jesus, I’m grateful for your healing and forgiving power. Show me anywhere I need Your forgiveness and help.
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