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Read Mark 2:1-12
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1 And when he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. 2 And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them. 3 And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. 4 And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. 5 And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven." 6 Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, 7 "Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" 8 And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, "Why do you question these things in your hearts? 9 Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise, take up your bed and walk'? 10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins"—he said to the paralytic— 11 "I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home." 12 And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, "We never saw anything like this!"
Today’s reading includes an interesting sequence of events. Men bring their friend to be healed by Jesus with a persistence and faith commended by Jesus, and yet Jesus’ first action is to forgive the man’s sins. It was only after people questioned his power to forgive sins that Jesus healed the man physically. The healing confirmed that Jesus had the power to forgive sins, and removed all doubt that Jesus had in fact done just that for this man.
It would be wrong to conclude that Jesus didn’t care about the man’s paralysis (He has compassion on him and heals him). But the sequence makes sense when we consider things from God’s perspective, which sees sin as the ultimate disease and illness as symptoms of the bigger issue. It makes sense when we consider that it was a common belief of the time that illness was a result of personal sin. We are not given insight into the paralyzed man’s thinking, but his paralysis probably served as a daily reminder that he was a sinner. Each day gave plenty of opportunity to reflect on his sin, burdening his conscience with guilt and shame.
Jesus can, did, and continues to forgive sin! He desired that the paralyzed man know fully the release from the disease of sin and the crippling paralysis of guilt and shame. Jesus desires the same for us. If you question Jesus’ ability or desire to forgive your sins, then hear his words spoken to you now: “Your sins are forgiven.” If you still doubt forgiveness can be spoken for your sins, then recall the promise of forgiveness God made to you in your baptism, turn to a brother or sister in Christ to be reminded of Christ and the cross, or go to a pastor and confess your sin so you can hear Jesus’ words of forgiveness spoken in response to those sins.
Prayer
Father, I am sorry for all my sin and ask for grace. I want to do better. Be merciful to me and strengthen my faith. Comfort and strengthen the faith of all who are greatly burdened with guilt that they may know the power of your forgiveness. Amen.