(Luke 5:17-25 NIV) One day as he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law, who had come from every village of Galilee and from Judea and Jerusalem, were sitting there. And the power of the Lord was present for him to heal the sick. {18} Some men came carrying a paralytic on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus. {19} When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus. {20} When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.” {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 that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins. . . .” 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.
How much trouble are you willing to go through to help a friend?
{18} Some men came carrying a paralytic on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus. {19} When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus.
Jesus saw what they did and was impressed by their effort. So much so that he interrupted what He was doing to pay attention to them.
Do we put in the same effort when we try to help others? Will God be impressed with our efforts?
Forgiveness is on the basis of faith
{20} When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.”
Here Jesus clearly taught that it is faith that results in the forgiveness of our sins.
(Rom 3:22 NIV) This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference,
(Rom 4:5 NIV) However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness.
(Phil 3:9 NIV) and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ–the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.
We never have to work so that God will forgive us our sins. God wants us to come as we are, in faith. That faith is what God is looking for before He declares us righteous in Christ.
Pay attention to our heart
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?
Remember that our relationship with God is not about outward show and appearance. It is about the heart. We may put on a front to our church friends but if the relationship with God is dry, we can’t fool God.
Let’s get honest with God and ask Him to examine our hearts. Is there any unseen emotions that need to be put right before God.
(Psa 139:23-24 NIV) Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. {24} See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Jesus’ work comes with demonstratable powers
{23} Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? {24} But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins. . . .” He said to the paralyzed man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.”
Jesus is not all talk only. Many false gurus of today talk much but does not come with the demonstratable powers of God.
Jesus proved that He is not all talk only. His ministry is one filled with much power. When we introduce Jesus to others, we need to introduce Him as someone who has the power to work in their lives to solve their problems. We need to minister to them with signs and wonders and healing.
The friends of the paralytic did not just talk to him about Jesus. They brought him to a place where he could experience the power of God.