Monday, July 13, 2015
We all have favorite Bible Passages. We cherish these passages because they are God's Word and also because these precious nuggets have served us well -- to comfort, encourage and to teach. If we were sitting around a campfire talking about our favorites, this would be one of mine -- and maybe yours.
Matthew 9:4-7 But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, "Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven you,' or to say, 'Arise and walk'? But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins"--then He said to the paralytic, "Arise, take up your bed, and go to your house." And he arose and departed to his house.
WHICH IS EASIER TO SAY: "YOUR SINS ARE FORGIVEN" OR "ARISE AND WALK"?
When I was a child I never really understood the question that Jesus posed to the Scribes. I was amazed (and still am) that Jesus knew their thoughts and addressed them, but I never really considered Jesus' question.
It is easier to say "Your sins are forgiven." Why? Well, because what human being can dispute it? Anyone can say your sins are forgiven, yet what evidence is there to prove or disprove the forgiveness of sins?
On the other hand, if someone says to a paralyzed man, "Arise and walk," something has to happen. If the man doesn't arise and walk, then that word is shown to be inept, without authority or power.
Jesus didn't just say, "Your sins are forgiven." He proved that His Word had the authority and power by doing what only God could do. Moreover, He told them exactly why he was doing it, so that they would know that He had both the power and the authority to forgive sins. Jesus did the more difficult (humanly speaking) to prove He could do the simpler (humanly speaking).
Jesus didn't just say, "Your sins are forgiven." He went to Calvary to make our redemption a reality. Then He came back from the grave to prove that all His promises are eternally reliable.
Jesus' words are never empty. They are always with power and authority.
