6 Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, 7 “Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” Mark 1.6-7
The teachers of the law missed the boat! They had just witnessed an incredible miracle by Jesus — he healed a paralyzed man and the demonstration of faith by the four friends was no less amazing — and yet they were complaining that Jesus offered forgiveness of sins to the formerly paralyzed man.
Consider this for a moment. You are in the house where the roof was just dug up. A man was lowered in before Jesus, four friends, heads sticking out of an open hole in the roof were smiling, praying, hoping. The man is laid in front of Jesus who then in turns heals his paralysis and also forgiveness of sins. If I had witnessed this I would have been amazed! I would have said something like —“Not only does this preacher heal physically but he heals spiritually as well. Incredible!”
But the Jewish teachers of the law don’t see the miracle of the physical and they discount the miracle of the spiritual. They aren’t impressed by a show of faith of four friends or that Jesus just said a few words and gave life back to this broken man. They are concerned that Jesus did not follow the protocol for sacrifices, offerings or the Law of Moses when it comes to forgiving sins. This was the biggest and only issue for them.
Now I will say that what Jesus had said would have been blasphemy had it been spoken by anyone but God. But since Jesus IS God, it’s not blasphemous but beautiful. And although the teachers had not yet realized who Jesus was, the demons beat them to it — they were thinking he was just a man, speaking out against everything they believed.”Who can forgive sin but God alone,” they said.
“But God alone…”- .no one can bring healing, peace, forgiveness of salvation but God alone. No one can restore the broken, give sight to the blind or make the lame walk but God alone. And as I said yesterday, giving God permission to intervene in our lives is crucial. Whether we speak this out loud or we say in our heart of hearts “Jesus heal me,” he will remain still.
This week I am on the Revive Colorado Mens Retreat in the Colorado Rockies. It’s a great time and only the second full day. And even now, God is moving. Jesus is bringing healing, forgiveness, hope and love to these forty three men. He is doing a work that only he can do. Last night we laid hands on five men and prayed for their physical healing. The night before men confessed sin out loud. Tonight? Who knows. But God’s Holy Spirit is at work – and Jesus is in the room.
Who can heal sins but God alone? Amen! This is true. He heals the body and the soul. Come to him today. Ask him to do what only he can do by his grace and for his glory.
“O Lord God, you are good. Thank you for loving us. Thank you for the power at work among us. I praise you Lord for this day, for restoring me, giving me life, laughter, joy and purpose. Come now, Holy Spirit, fill me with your power. Guide my steps and speak to me now. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen