23 Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’?
Words are easy to say. Promises are easy to make. Hope is easily offered. The crowd of religious leaders who were there that day when Jesus said these words knew that. Jesus had just told the paralyzed man that his sins were forgiven. The religious leaders knew that only God’s job description contained those responsibilities. They rightly questioned Jesus’ authority. In fact, I think Jesus purposely forgave the man’s sins first in order to create an occasion to prove he was God, with all the authority that only God has. By purposefully pushing the envelope with the religious leaders Jesus showed his authority as God. So after Jesus spoke the words of forgiveness, the religious leaders began immediately the questioning thought process. They probably began with thoughts of disbelief. Surely he didn’t say he could forgive sins. Then they probably rewound the tape in their heads and listened to his words again. No, that is exactly what he said. But only God can forgive sins. Is this guy claiming to be God? But we can’t see God. If we do, we will die. At this point Jesus speaks the words “which is easier.” Jesus has them right where he wants them. They have raised all the correct questions in their minds and come to all the predesigned conclusions. Now Jesus will just smash their conclusions about the impossibility of God being seen and experienced personally. And more importantly, that he himself is that manifestation of God’s person and presence. So when the paralyzed man gets up in a few short moments from his mat and walks away, his authority to forgive sins is established. Remember, physical healing was also God’s domain. Sins being forgiven was invisible. You can claim that ability all day long and how is someone going to prove you wrong. But to claim you healed a paralyzed man…. There is no way to hide either your success or failure. And back then, this man’s paralysis would have been viewed as God’s punishment for sin in this man’s life. So when he walks their theology about sin, sickness and Jesus were all shown to be sorely lacking. Are you able to believe that Jesus was fully God and fully man at the same time? This man’s walking proved it. Get up today and walk in the knowledge that Jesus is the answer to all of life’s difficulties. He holds the keys to life and death. Serve Him today!
The Arnold Journey 