Words of Grace

By Rev. Mahlon Nevel

Some men were concerned about their friend who was sick. They believed that if they could get him to Jesus, he would be made well. 

So they put him on a stretcher and carried him to Jesus. When Jesus saw the faith of these men, he said to the one who was sick “Man, thy sins are forgiven thee” (Luke 5:20) 

When the scribes, along with the Pharisees, heard what Jesus said, they asked, “Who is this who speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sin, but God alone?”

It is true that only God can forgive sin. What they did not realize and did not believe was that Jesus is God. 

Jesus then asked them a question: Is it easier to forgive sins or to heal the sick? He wanted them to know that he had both the power  to forgive sinners and the power to raise the sick from their sick beds. 

“Arise,” he commanded the man. Immediately he rose up in the sight of the people. They were all amazed and gave glory to God, being full of fear. 

This was a fulfillment of  Psalm 130:4, that there is forgiveness with God so that he might be feared. 

There was also a certain ruler who did not believe that Jesus was God. When he called Jesus “Good Master,” Jesus asked him Why he called him good. He pointed out that only God is good. (Luke 18:19) 

Because Jesus is God, he is therefore good. None of us are good, but God is. As it is said: “God is good all the time.”