[Mark 2, Proverbs 11]

H – Mark 2:7–10, “[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”……”

E – Divine Authority!

When Jesus began His ministry He revealed His authority. One of God’s characteristics revealed through Jesus is that He is “all knowing”. He knew the thoughts of the scribes and Pharisees. He knew what they were thinking and the questions they would even present about His authority. 

Obviously, they nor the people had heard anyone speak with the kind of authority Jesus spoke with (1:27). But now, Jesus is acting with authority by claiming to forgive sins and healing physical ailments. 

This lead to 2 questions; 1) Why does this man speak like that?, 2) Who can forgive sins but God alone?

The first question, I think at least, can be as simple as because Jesus cared. He spoke with authority because He cared about the will of His father. He spoke with authority because He cared about people. He spoke with authority because He cared about His kingdom. We find Jesus in places that no one would go and talking to people that no one wanted to talk to (2:16). He did this so they would hear The Word (2:2). 

The second question is easily answered, “No One”. Only God could and can forgive sins. I try to put myself in the scribe and Pharisees shoes. Part of me understands their confusions and questions, their doubts and concerns. But, when you hear authority and you see authority there should have been more Nicodemus’ amongst them. Only through Jesus can one be ‘born again’, have their sins forgiven, be filled with joy, and enter into the eternal heaven. That’s also why Jesus spoke with authority. 

Here is something of great truth. When Jesus forgives, He completely forgives. 

1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Even in Old Testament poetry we find these words from David, Psalm 32:1–2, “[1] Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. [2] Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.”

We stand in the need of forgiveness and only God has that authority to forgive, through His son – King Jesus. 

A – There are 2 great truths that I can take away from this. 1) I can only speak with authority when I genuinely care about God and people, and when I believe that the Word is the only remedy for a lost humanity. Therefore, His Word must be central in my life. 2) I can only act with authority when I am walking in genuine faith. I do not have the power to heal, but just like the paralytics friends I can respond in faith to whom I have believed and am persuaded in (2 Timothy 1:12). Therefore, my faith must remain active. 

R – Lord God, thank you that I don’t have to question your authority. You are God alone, the alpha and omega, the beginning and the end (Revelation 22:13). All things have been made by you, through you, and for you (John 1:3).  Lord, help me daily to submit and surrender to your authority. God, I pray that I would speak and act with authority. But Lord, I know I can’t do that unless I am filled with your Holy Spirit. Help me to love You and all people the way you have called me to love. Use my life for your glory. 

In Jesus Name!