Luke 5:21-26 (NIV)

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 paralyzed 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.26 Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, “We have seen remarkable things today.”

Reflection:

The Greek word aphiemi, translated “forgiven,” means to leave or let go, to give up a debt, to send away from oneself. It is in forgiveness that broken relationships are renewed despite the wrongs that have been done. But the wrong or act does not go away, it cannot be erased or changed. Not so with God! The notion of aphiemi goes way beyond human forgiveness - it is the ultimate forgiveness that only the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive our sins. Believers are so forgiven that, in God’s eyes, it as if they had never sinned.

This is the forgiveness the paralyzed man received from Jesus. Then the Pharisees and religious scholars of the time were abuzz, whispering and gossipping in their hearts false accusations that Jesus was speaking blasphemy. You see, they did not recognize who Jesus really was! But Jesus throws down a challenge, asking them which is easier, to forgive or to heal? This is to show them who He really was, and what authority He has been given.  To the amazement of everyone, they see the paralyzed man stand before them at the simple command of Jesus to get up. Can you imagine witnessing such a scene? And the result (the only proper response) of seeing God work miracles in their midst - to stand in awe, to watch in amazement, and to give praise to God!

Responding to the Transmission:

We have all received and seen others receive incredible healing among us, both physical and spiritual. And we have all been healed because we have been forgiven. Let us respond today in praise and worship of our God, for we are bearing witness to the awesomeness of our Lord, the one who is working miracles in our midst.