The Life and Ministry of Jesus
But immediately, when Jesus perceived in His spirit that they reasoned thus within themselves, He said to them, “Why do you reason about these things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Arise, take up your bed and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—He said to the paralytic, “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” Immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went out in the presence of them all, so that all were amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!” Mark 2:8–12
No judge has any right to let a criminal off. His business is to enforce the law. God is the moral ruler of this universe, and He must defend His own laws. God cannot be lawless. He can’t be, because He is righteous. Having made the laws, He obeys those laws, and His laws are inexorable.
They are not changed at all, and by them you and I are guilty before God. We need forgiveness of our sins and He does forgive. Let us never make the mistake of thinking He forgives because He is big–hearted. He forgives us because Christ paid the penalty for our sins! He could forgive sins because He came to this earth to provide a salvation for you and me and for the man with the palsy. 1
Personal Encouragement
Do you relate to God with human reasoning, or with faith-filled expectations? Do you try to relate to God based on your feelings, or based upon complete faith in Him?
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7
To be forgiven is to be set free from the penalty and power of sin.
A Prayer
Lord, thank You for lifting me out of the paralytic lifestyle of sinful living.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: The Gospels (Mark) (electronic ed., Vol. 36). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
