11.09.07
Christ’s Authority to Forgive Sin (Matt. 9:1-8; Mark 2:1-12; Luke 5:17-26)
Christ’s Authority to Forgive Sin (Matt. 9:1-8; Mark 2:1-12; Luke 5:17-26)
After spending some time in various villages in Galilee, Christ returns to Capernaum. Once word spread that Jesus had returned, multitudes gathered to hear Him teach (and heal). On this occasion, Jesus was not teaching in a synagogue, but was instead in a house.
Mark notes the large size of the crowd (verse 2 no room left, not even outside the door). The mix of the crowd was noted by Luke to include Pharisees and teachers of the law who had come from most every place Jesus had already traveled to. Since Jerusalem is also mentioned here, we may surmise that the evidence and stir caused by the Messiah had come to the attention of the religious leaders in that town, since some of these folks were in attendance. A bit of time had passed, so it is possible that the investigation into Christ and His claims from the healing of the leper was taking place. Other leaders and religious teachers were there to hear the teaching of Christ and evaluate His claims as well. So Jesus had an audience that wanted to hear Him, and He taught.
Now Jesus is presented with a healing opportunity in the midst of His teaching. 4 friends carried a paralytic friend to the house where Jesus was. Looking at the crowd, there was no way to get close enough to Jesus for any action or healing. Did this deter the friends? No, they just needed to find another way to get into the presence of Christ.
It was common to have steps on the side of the house leading to the roof. These friends climbed up the stairs and removed tiles that covered the roof over where they judged Jesus to be in the dwelling. Now, when we think of houses, A-frame roofs, high ceilings, etc., we need to rethink things. Commonly, these were flat roofs and the ceilings were low, not high. It is thought that this was an ‘arch-and-slab’ roof with removable/replaceable tiles. Sturdy – so that this was not seen as major damage to the dwelling. If you think of poles and mud homes with a thatch roof, then what was being done would have outraged the home owner and mostly destroyed the home.
Once the tiles were lifted, it was possible to lower the paralytic into the presence of Jesus. Christ responded to the faith in His person of those in this band of friends. Jesus had a message to proclaim, and He saw it had been received by this bunch. We see the response in Luke, verse 20 When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.”
Now, isn’t that cheeky? Can you believe what Jesus just said? That may have been the response of the religious folks in the crowd. The accusations of blasphemy started to be thrown out. You may remember that part of the teaching of the day included this – all physical infirmity was a sign of divine displeasure and came as a punishment from God for specific sin. Since God was the One displeased with sin, and the One who (according to the Rabbis) had punished this paralytic because of sin, only God could forgive sin. So to them – Christ was claiming the prerogatives that belonged to God alone.
You see, even if the priests prescribed someone ‘clean’ or a sinner who transferred his or her guilt to the scapegoat in the temple, all were offered forgiveness from God – but no priest or other human dared pronounce it to be forgiven. The law offered nothing like an ‘official forgiving of sins’ or ‘absolution’. This was the prerogative of the Almighty alone. Man couldn’t forgive sin – only God can.
One who usurped the prerogatives of Deity, according to Levitical law, was to be punished by death. Now Christ reveals to the crowd that He knew the controversy raging within them. So He asks a question in Luke verse 23 - Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’?
It’s easier to say your sins are forgiven. No demonstration was needed. Like when we’re asked about or hear about someone with a need. James 2:15-17 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. To say your sins are forgiven requires no demonstration, no action, no evidence. The proof was in the pudding – Jesus said get up and walk. He put feet to His words. If the man had not gotten up, He would have proven Himself to be an imposter. In order that there was no mistake for all these folks who were gathered, Jesus commanded the man to Get UP and go home! Not only did Jesus heal this man, He showed that He infused POWER into him. No atrophy of the muscles, no loss of balance, this man who was immobile was now free!
This miracle silenced those that were seething and questioning in their hearts. The claims of Christ had been resisted, now they could not be refuted. As the writers note, these folks were moved to awe or reverential respect for the person who had demonstrated their authority over forgive sin in their midst.
One thing I think I’ve been consistent on with my son is this – if it is within your power to DO something good for someone, you should DO it. I stress action coupled with opportunity. Sometimes I can’t do good things for folks, I don’t know of the need. But, if I do know it, and choose not to do the right thing, I’ve sinned. It’s putting my faith in action, and at times it puts my faith on the line in front of those that know me best. They would tell you I’m not perfect in this area.
What about you? Would you make a spectacle of yourself in order to help a friend in need? Would you carry them to the person of Christ, open a roof, and lower them down? Or would you just say ‘I’ll pray for you…’ and leave it at that?
