Jesus Has Authority to Forgive Sins (Luke 5:17-26)
Sermon Summary
Pastor David Yan
4 July 2021
Jesus, the great healer, was in a certain house surrounded by needy people.
There was a paralytic present. Friends had brought him to the house and seeing the house filled with people they lowered the him through the roof.
The man needed healing. He also needed forgiveness of sins.
Jesus could do both for him for Jesus can heal and forgive sins.
First, note that Jesus had regard to the faith of the paralytic's friends. They believed Jesus could help their friend. That is why they brought him to Jesus. Bring people to Jesus. He will never disappoint you.
Second, Jesus had regard to the faith of the paralytic. The man was physically helpless and spiritually also. But by God’s grace he believed Jesus could heal him. You may not be physically paralysed but you are spiritually. Jesus can release you from spiritual paralysis.
Jesus addressed the matter of sin. He said to the paralytic, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” (Lk. 5:20). The man wanted healing. Jesus wanted his salvation —the forgiveness of sins. Our priorities may not always be God’s priorities.
Jesus responds to the objection of the Pharisees and teachers. They remarked “Who can forgive sins but God alone?” (Lk.5:21) which is to say, Jesus as a man had no right to speak as he did.
But Jesus demonstrates he is entitled to speak in this way. He miraculously healed the man. It was easier to say “your sins are forgiven you” than “arise, take up your bed and walk.” Everyone saw what had happened. Since Jesus proved his authority in the visible realm (he healed the man) he also proves his authority in the invisible realm, (he can forgive people’s sins).
This addresses the fundamental issue of this narrative—who is Jesus? The Jews wanted to accuse Jesus of blasphemy. But Jesus, by healing this man, gave them no grounds for such accusations. The authority by which he healed the man is the same authority by which he forgives sins. Jesus is God. The Pharisees were right when they said only God could forgive sins.
Jesus has authority on earth to forgive sins. Forgiveness is now, while we are on earth. Now is the acceptable time; now is the day of salvation.
Note the man’s healing was immediate and complete. Once sinners believe in Jesus they are immediately forgiven (for saving faith is not a process). And once they believe in him they are completely forgiven (for forgiveness covers every sin).
The healing of the paralytic gives us hope. We are all by nature spiritually paralysed being unable to help ourselves. But Jesus has authority to heal us of spiritual paralysis and forgive us all our sins.
He tells you your sins are forgiven and bids you take up your bed and walk a new life. If Jesus says your sins are forgiven they are forgiven. Praise God for this.