BIBLE READING: LEVITICUS 26, 27; MARK 2
“But that ye may know that the son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy) I say unto these, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house’’ Mark 2:10-11(KJV)
The Scribes and Pharisees believed that only God has the power to forgive sins. They did not believe that Jesus is God, and so to assert such authority or power to forgive sin was seen by them as taking the place of God. To them, it was blasphemy for a man to assert such power or arrogate such authority to himself.
Jesus saying to the man sick of palsy, “thy sins be forgiven thee” is simply saying I am God, I have the power to forgive or to retain sin. Anyone I forgive is forgiven by the father and anyone I fail to forgive, the Father will not forgive such one.
What a thing of joy and hope for man that Jesus is God and as God, He has the power to forgive all kinds of sin. Jesus not only has the power to forgive, He has a forgiving heart. He is both able and willing to forgive. He loves us so much that he forgives us our sins at the slightest sign of genuine repentance. His love nature makes him willing and ready to forgive.
He forgave the thief at his right hand even at the very last moment because the thief took advantage of the life time opportunity.
It doesn’t matter the gravity of our sins, if we can turn to Jesus in repentance, He will forgive and cleanse us from all sins. Jesus has also given to us the power to forgive.
Prayer: Thank you Jesus for the forgiveness of my sins.
Rev. Vincent Diolu