Lk. 5:17-26 presents Luke’s account of Jesus healing the paralytic who was lowered through the roof by his friends so that he could be healed. Instead of healing him initially, however, Jesus forgives his sins. He follows this by reading the hearts and minds of the Pharisees present and calling out their skepticism, “What is easier to say? Your sins are forgiven, or take up your bed and walk?” Jesus first dealt with the paralytic’s spiritual condition, forgiving his sins, even though there was no visible proof that this miracle had in fact been completed. So he followed it up with one that could be proven–a paralyzed man gaining the ability to walk. The logical conclusion is that if Jesus could heal and read men’s hearts, then He also has the power to forgive sin.
- Lk 5:17-26
- Demonstration of faith by friends and perhaps the paralytic
- People from all over coming out to see Jesus—how far had these men traveled?
- Whose idea was it to seek out Jesus?
- Determined to get in front of Jesus, no matter the obstacles
- Perhaps an indication of the man’s health – on his deathbed?
- Packed house – went up to the roof and removed tiles (!)
- Must have had rope/straps to let him down, showing preparation
- Lk. 5:20 – Jesus saw their faith in action
- Could be seen – Jm. 2:18
- Believed they had to get him in front of Jesus
- Paralytic believed it would work and that he wouldn’t be injured in process
- Jesus forgave sins – Lk. 5:20
- Even apostles did not claim power to forgive sin – Ax. 8:22
- Jesus forgave sins only on 2 other recorded times (both in private) – Lk. 7:48 (sinful woman); 23:43 (thief on cross)
- Purpose here – to show He could forgive sin
- Claiming to do something only God could do was blasphemy
- Jesus perceived the thoughts of Pharisees – Lk. 5:22
- Prophesied – Is. 11:1-3; Ps. 139:2
- Jn. 2:24-25
- Evidence of deity, power from God – 1 Chr. 28:9; Jer. 17:10
- Prophesied – Is. 11:1-3; Ps. 139:2
- 3rd miracle (healing) to prove He was from God and had power to forgive – 5:24
- Popular belief then that disease was result of sin – Jn. 9:1-3; Lk. 13:1-5
- Regardless of how man became paralyzed, Jesus addressed both physical and spiritual needs
- Application
- What would you do to get cure for some disease or disability? Whatever distance, cost, etc.?
- To what lengths will you go to help save a friend?
- Are we helping others find Jesus, or are we standing in the way, preventing them from getting to Him?
- Jesus is great physician, Mt. 9:12
- What’s easier for us to say – ask Jesus for help, or deny Him…