THE MIRACLE OF FORGIVENESS

When he entered Capernaum again after some days, it was reported that he was at home. So many people gathered together that there was no more room, not even in the doorway, and he was speaking the word to them. They came to him bringing a paralytic, carried by four of them. Since they were not able to bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and after digging through it, they lowered the mat on which the paralytic was lying. Seeing their faith, Jesus told the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” But some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts: “Why does he speak like this? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” Right away Jesus perceived in his spirit that they were thinking like this within themselves and said to them, “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? Which is easier: to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat, and walk’? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he told the paralytic— “I tell you: get up, take your mat, and go home.” Immediately he got up, took the mat, and went out in front of everyone. As a result, they were all astounded and gave glory to God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!” (Mark 2:1–12)

The healing of this paralyzed man in Mark 2 stands out from other healings. The chapter begins with Jesus back in Capernaum and everybody in town hearing about it. So they show up and clog every entrance and window. When the four men carrying the paralytic see there is no way in they make a way through the roof! These men demonstrate tremendous love and determination in getting the man to Jesus. They also demonstrate great faith. They believe Jesus can and will help him. Also, these men do what we are all called to do: to bring people to Jesus! They are an example to us. 

Once they achieve their goal some very interesting things happen. Mark tells us Jesus also saw THEIR faith and then says to the paralytic “Son, your sins are forgiven.” It appears on the surface Jesus has misunderstood his request or is playing a mean trick. Obviously, this man is coming to be healed, not to be forgiven. But Jesus knows our needs better than we do. We should always come to him with any need but trust him to do for us what he sees needs to be done. This paralyzed man’s greatest need was not that he be healed of his paralysis, but that he be forgiven of his sins. Yet, had this man not been paralyzed he may never have heard Jesus say “Your sins are forgiven.” God used his suffering for his greatest good! 

But the scribes who were there to catch him saying something wrong, think they have just scored.” He is blaspheming for God alone can forgive sins! We’ve got him!”

They aren’t wrong. Only God can forgive sin. But they don't realize this is a set-up! In verse 9, Jesus asks them a question. Which is easier: To say ‘Your sins are forgiven” or to say “Rise, take up your bed and walk”? They have nothing to say. Clearly it is easier to say “Your sins are forgiven” because you can't “see” forgiveness. Where is the proof of forgiveness? Saying “rise up and walk” is harder because it is “seen”. If nothing happens, then it means he is a liar and has no authority to forgive sins.  He heals the man so they may know that he does have this authority. And the man was healed at that moment! The people witnessed this man get up and walk out of the house! 

But there is another point here. It may be easy to say "Your sins are forgiven" but it is the more difficult work to accomplish and therefore the greater miracle. Also, the need for forgiveness is far greater than the need for physical healing. Yet, we often think of miraculous healings as being greater than the forgiveness of sins.  Forgiving sinners required Jesus, holy innocent, and unstained by sin, to be murdered on the cross. It required he face the wrath of the Father so that wrath against my sin and yours will be satisfied. It will require him to rise from the dead, proof that his offering for sin was accepted by God and the debt is paid. 

I know of a 12-year-old girl who is presently dying from a brain tumor. She comes from a Christian family and has been taught about Jesus and forgiveness all her life. It was not until this tumor manifested itself that she came to believe and receive forgiveness. Yers many were praying for a miracle concerning the tumor. But the real miracle was her faith in Jesus and receiving the gift of forgiveness. And the same is true for many of you right now facing health issues and suffering pain. You have been forgiven of your sins through his precious blood. This was your greatest need, and Jesus met that need and healed you of unbelief. The healing of the paralytic reminds us that in the new heaven and earth, there will not be any more paralysis, cancer, or other physical ailments. Total healing is your future by faith in Christ, and that future begins with being forgiven of all our sins.