Sunday, June 22, 2014

Forgiveness First

When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.”

Luke 5:20

In this passage a sick and paralyzed man was brought to Jesus with the help of his four friends.  When they finally got their friend in front of Jesus scripture says Jesus saw their faith.  Interesting to me that Jesus can "see" faith. 
His first words were directed towards the sick man and he told him that his sins are forgiven.  After this Jesus knew that some people in the room were wondering why he said that and would be offended that he claimed to have the authority to forgive other peoples sins. 
Jesus then asked this question: which is easier to say-  your sins are forgiven or get up and walk?  As I think about these two questions I really cannot imagine having the authority or boldness to say either one.  I cannot heal someone or forgive their sins.  If I were to tell someone that is sick to get up out of the hospital bed and go home I would have security guards escort me out.
As I review this scripture I see that Jesus decided to say the first statement to the sick man and the second statement after. He asked which was easier yet for his purpose he chose to tell the sick man that his sins are forgiven.  He then explains that he did it in this order so that we may know he has the authority to forgive sins.
Perhaps he chose this first because forgiveness from Jesus is more important than the healing.  Forgiveness and faith in who Jesus is should always be what we seek first.  Both forgiveness of sins and healing are from the Lord yet from this scripture he clearly shows the heart and where it is at with Jesus comes first.
Today I think about these four friends and how awesome they are to have brought their sick friend to Jesus.  I think its awesome that Jesus saw their faith and chose to forgive sins first and then healed after.  My hope for today is that Jesus "sees" me bring my daughter to him, forgives her sins and heals her.  Oh the boldness to ask Him this. 


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