JESUS, THE SON OF GOD, HAS AUTHORITY TO FORGIVE
While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” And immediately the leprosy left him. —Luke 5:12-13
When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.” The Pharisees and the teachers of the law began thinking to themselves, “Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the paralyzed man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God. Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, “We have seen remarkable things today.” —Luke 5:20-25
We wonder, “Why does our Lord heal some and not others?” Well, we do not know His greater plan, but whether He heals or not, we are to live for Him. Will I only live for Him if He makes my life better or will I live for Him regardless of the circumstances in my life? Do I love Him for only the good things that I get or will I still love Him if I do not receive what I desire? Job had it right when he said to his wife— “Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” (Job 2:10). We truly need to understand “that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). God has purpose in those things we do not understand and that “our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (II Corinthians 4:17). Truly, we do not understand God’s overall purposes and yet we know He has our best interests in mind. Truly, He is working all things out for our good… even when we don’t understand.
What is greater than physical healing is spiritual healing— forgiveness of our sins and a being brought into a right relation with God through His Son. This is the meaning of Isaiah 53:5— “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” What Jesus did on the cross brings us peace and healing for the satanic snakebit of sin (Numbers 21:1-9; John 3:14-15).
Yes, Jesus has the authority to heal physically and spiritually. What the Jewish leaders really got upset about is when Jesus claimed to have the authority to forgive sin. The Jewish leaders knew that only God could do that. They just did not get who Jesus was/is and wanted to kill Him. They knew He was claiming to be equal with God and we know, as His followers, that is exactly who He is (John 5:18).
Dear Father, please help those reading this understand who Jesus is if they do not know already. Yes, may this be so by the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Your Son Jesus. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_ZWEO36jok&list=RDu_ZWEO36jok&start_radio=1