AUTHORITY TO FORGIVE SIN - LUKE 5.17-26; MARK 2.1-12

It is significant that this event took place upon Jesus’ return from the wilderness after healing the leper. This event takes place in Capernaum which is a three day walk from Jerusalem. Religious leaders from all across the nation are present to hear and to observe Jesus. They are there in the first stage of observation to decide whether or not this is a move of God--the stage of observation, as with John the Baptist earlier.

In this stage the leaders ask no questions--they just observe. While watching and listening to Jesus in this home four men lower a man with palsy down through the roof to where Jesus sat. When Jesus saw their faith he told the man sick with palsy that his sins were forgiven. The only one who can forgive sins is God. (Lev 4-6 are books concerning atonement) Jesus is now telling the religious leaders who He is.

Since the leaders are only observing, the gospels point out that they were reasoning in their hearts. Their unspoken objections are natural. Either Jesus is a blasphemer--or who He claims to be--Messiah. Jesus responds with a question to their unspoken objection/questions. This is a common way of Jewish teaching--to answer a question with a question in rabbinic classes. It is designed for the student to come up with the correct answer on their own.

There is a rabbinic story about a priest who is asking a Jewish rabbi many questions. The rabbi never gives a straight answer, but always responds to the priest’s questions with a question. Exasperated, the priest finally says, “Why do you Jews always respond to a question by asking another question?” The rabbi answers, “Why not?”

Jesus asks the leaders what is easier for Him to say--forgive sins or say to the sick man “rise up and walk?” It is easier to say your sins are forgiven because no visible sign is necessary to prove this statement. Therefore, to prove the statement “Your sins are forgiven”, Jesus tells the man to rise up and walk, which demands physical evidence. The conclusion, we shall see, of the religious leaders, was that Jesus’ claims where significant. They will soon move to stage two--interrogation.

Notes from: The Life of Messiah from a Jewish Perspective by Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum