Tuesday, September 23, 2008

The Authority to Forgive Sins

This coming Sunday I am planning on preaching from Mark 2.1-12 and I could really use your help. So, what you can do is read it with me and then comment below what you think. The thing that sticks out to me right away is Mark 2.10-11, which says: "'But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins'--he said to the paralytic--'I say to you, stand up, take your mat and go to your home.'" Now, Jesus is speaking to the scribes at this point ---- but in many ways he is still saying this to us. Do we know that Jesus [the Son of Man] has authority to forgive sins? And if we do, then what does that mean for us that are still on the earth? Let's go over this together and see where God leads us. I look forward to hearing from you.

1 comment:

Mandy Leigh said...

the thing that always sticks out in my head about this passage is Jesus' question, "Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven'; or to say,' Arise, and take up your pallet and walk'?" He seems to be asking this as an easy rhetorical question to the scribes who he was addressing, like the answer is obvious as to which one of these options is easier. To me...it's not obvious. Which is easier? And, does Jesus heal this man proving to the scribes that He can actually do both? That the fact the man walked out of the room will cause the scribes to think "his sins may be forgiven too." I have more thoughts about this passage as well...it's a loaded passage! :)