Son of God!

For Sunday, May 21, 2023:

Mark 2:5 NLT: “Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, ‘My child, your sins are forgiven.’”

Some stories from Jesus’ life are over-the-top, so incredible and complex that they must be true, otherwise eyewitnesses wouldn’t write such things.

Jesus had returned to Capernaum, preaching and healing as usual. A large crowd filled the house where he was staying, and spilled out onto the street, making it impossible for most people to get near to Jesus.

Meanwhile, four men carried their paralyzed friend to Jesus seeking healing, but the large crowd kept them far away. So they came up with an over-the-top plan. Let’s carry our friend up on the (probably thatched) roof, open up a space and lower him with ropes so he’s right in front of Jesus! Who would do this? Only those with extreme confidence in the outcome, only those with extreme faith in Jesus.

Interestingly, Jesus didn’t pray for healing. Instead he said, “My child, your sins are forgiven!” Now only God can forgive sins against God, so if Jesus is forgiving sins, who does he think he is? Who do YOU say that he is?

Jesus was proving that he has the authority on earth to forgive sins. Now that the sin problem was out of the way, Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!” And it all happened just the way Jesus said!

We all want proof of who Jesus is, and here it is!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship