By Robert E. Jackson, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
Forgives
Mark 2:1–12
Faith Expressed (1–5)
The primary focus of this story is not on the four men, the paralyzed man or even the hole in the roof. Mark’s emphasis is on the triumphant Jesus who enters Capernaum under increasing suspicion and jealousy from the religious leaders. To the crowds Jesus was like none other they had seen or heard. His love, power and teaching drew them in masses.
The four men, by faith, realized Jesus was the only hope for their paralyzed friend. Because of the crowds the only way to Jesus was by creating a hole in the roof. Very simply, they did whatever they could to get their friend to Jesus.
Perhaps startling some readers today Jesus first and foremost declared the forgiveness of the man’s sins. The Jews of old would have viewed suffering and disease as consequences of God’s anger over personal sin.
Very clearly Jesus came to earth to offer forgiveness. Along with this truth humans have a responsibility to introduce people to the Messiah who forgives all who approach Him.
Authority Questioned (6–7)
The scribes were present, probably in the seats of honor. As guardians of orthodoxy they wanted to make sure Jesus was teaching correctly. The Jews taught rightly that only God could forgive sins.
So when Jesus declared this paralytic forgiven it must have been a shock; they thought He was blaspheming God which came with the penalty of death (Lev. 24:16). Perhaps you can imagine a smirk across the faces of these self-
righteous religious leaders. Jesus, so they thought, was a fraud.
Power Proclaimed (8–11)
Jesus, knowing their thoughts, proclaimed by His words and actions that He is God. He doesn’t question their belief that only God can forgive sins. Instead He asks them if it is easier to say “your sins are forgiven” or “rise and walk?” At face value it is easier to speak than to heal a paralyzed man.
However, at a much deeper level, the Gospel of Mark will soon show forgiveness of sins is actually the most difficult. Ultimate forgiveness only can be granted by God — at the cost of Jesus’ death on the cross for each and every one of us.
This thought is beyond the religious leaders’ comprehension. So Jesus puts the discussion on their level by saying in essence, “You see this man is paralyzed and you believe He cannot be healed unless his sins are forgiven. Watch this. Stand up, son.”
Wow. There should be only one conclusion — Jesus was and is the expected Messiah. Who else forgives sins? Who else instantly heals a paralyzed man? None but the one true God. The scribes refused to believe this truth.
Authority Demonstrated (12)
By walking out of the house the man demonstrates Jesus is who He claims to be; Jesus has the authority and power to forgive sins and heal. Certainly this act left the religious leaders in a state of baffled rage. However, for the crowds it was a time of awe and worship.
Jesus came to offer forgiveness for sin-sick humanity. Although we do not understand fully the link between illness and the power of sin, Mark points to a day when Christ will be victorious over both.
Christians affirm a day is coming soon when there will be no more death, sorrow, crying or pain (Rev. 21:4).
In summary Jesus is God and has the power to forgive and to heal. What are we doing with the Messiah? Are we rejecting Him like the scribes? Or does He invoke awe in us? Are we anxious to worship Him?
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