“... but God alone?”

Mark 2:5-11, And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, “Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you question these things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your bed and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic— “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.” And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”

Jesus came to us with authority and his teaching and miracles resulted in amazement. The paralytic had obvious physical needs that his compassionate friends well knew, that’s why they brought him to Jesus. He had more for this man than his physical healing, he forgave him his sins, something only God could do. In so doing he clearly makes the claim far above a healer or a teacher: God alone. Physical healing is wonderful, but lasts a few short years; spiritual healing administered by Jesus is everlasting!

We lean upon you for your forgiveness through the cross, trusting to your everlasting arms!

ESV Lectionary