Notice that Jesus knew what the religionists were thinking and addressed them (Mark 2:6-12).  They were upset because Jesus forgave this man of His sins.  Their logic and theology convinced them that only God could forgive sin.  Who did Jesus think He was?  Anyone could say that they forgive a person’s sin, but there is no evidence that what they say has been accomplished. 

Jesus, knowing what was in their heart, gave the physical evidence that verified that He had the authority to forgive sins.  He gave the paralytic specific instruction and when the paralytic obeyed Jesus, physical healing took place.  This man not only received the forgiveness of sin, but He could finally move and walk.  The people were amazed and God was glorified.

Friend, we are sinners and Christ forgives sins.  A church doesn’t.  A pastor or priest doesn’t.  Church membership or church attendance doesn’t.  Christ does.  I encourage you to allow Christ to forgive you of your sins today.  Scripture tells us ”This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. (1 John 1:5-10 ESV)”

We are sinners and Christ forgives sins.

Know that you are loved,
gaj