Luke 5:20–25
Forgiveness of Sins: The Price Only the Cross Could Pay — Luke 5:20–25
Luke 5:20–25 (NIVUK)
20 When Jesus saw their faith, he said, ‘Friend, your sins are forgiven.’ 21 The Pharisees and the teachers of the law began thinking to themselves, ‘Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?’ 22 Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, ‘Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? 23 Which is easier: to say, “Your sins are forgiven,” or to say, “Get up and walk”? 24 But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.’ So he said to the paralysed man, ‘I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.’ 25 Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God.
Commentary
Revd. Mark Fletcher: And the miracle in this story proves that point. And in fact, it’s quite a helpful thing to remember when we think about miracles, because they are not an end in themselves. The point of this story is not the healing of the paralysed man. They are a sign which points to what God is doing, an illustration of his kingdom. And in fact, Jesus asks them a very interesting question, which maybe I would ask you. Verse 23: Which is easier to say? Your sins are forgiven, or get up and walk? Which is easier? Because if you remember, God created the universe with just a word and can heal the sick with just a word. He can even raise the dead with just a word. But he cannot forgive sins that easily. You know the cost of the forgiveness of sins. It is the cross of Christ. The greatest price of all. And so this miracle is a signpost to the most essential part of Jesus’ life. There would have been many who needed healing, but this man’s healing is a witness that points us to the cross. Verse 24: Jesus says, “I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” And so he said to the paralysed man, “Get up, take your mat, and go home.” This is the gospel. This is the very heart of what Jesus is doing. Jesus does have authority to forgive sins, but only because he pays the greatest price. He takes upon himself the penalty of sin. He pays the ransom to set us free. Because when it comes to earning forgiveness, frankly, we are all like that paralysed man. We cannot do it for ourselves. But Jesus can grant it with just a word, but only because of what is to come. Only because of Easter. Because of the cross.