Whose Authority

February 17, 2009

The life of Jesus. Read Today: Jesus cures a paralytic: Matthew 9:2-8; Mark 2:1-12; Luke 5:17-26

Luke 5:22-25 ESV
22 When Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answered them, “Why do you question in your hearts?
23 Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’?
24 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the man who was paralyzed—“I say to you, rise, pick up your bed and go home.”
25 And immediately he rose up before them and picked up what he had been lying on and went home, glorifying God.


What an interesting question, is it easier to say that you are healed or your sins are forgiven. To me it is easier to say forgiven. I mean, sins being forgiven is invisible. Jesus forgives them and how will anyone know that He did or not. They get mad, so then he hits them with the right hook. OK, you are healed, get up and walk. Jesus was making a point, He had the power to do both. He waited to do the harder one second so that they would see that He had the authority to do the first.

Jesus wants to do things in your life, but you have to give him authority to do so.

Read for tomorrow: Matthew (Levi) called to be a disciple; Matthew 9:9; Mark 2:13-14; Luke 5:27-28