Scripture Mark 2:1-12

When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven." Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, "Why does this fellow speak in this way? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?"

Observation

This is one of the passages that I never really understood the significance of. In Judaism only God can forgive sins, so Jesus saying to the paralytic that his sins are forgiven is Jesus claiming to be God.

This is one of the passages in the bible that makes it clear that Jesus and his followers did not see him as just a teacher or even a prophet, but as God himself.

Application

This should remind me that Jesus is much more than just a teacher, but that this is one of the places where he lays unequivocal claim to divinity.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, you truly are both God an man. May I always remember this, that you speak not with a merely human authority and understanding but as God.