“But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answering said unto them, What reason ye in your hearts? Whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Rise up and walk?” (Luke 5:22-23 KJV).
A sign by itself that these religious group should have recognized, the Lord Jesus Christ answered the unspoken question in their hearts with a rhetorical question. The Lord having perceived their thoughts, if only they came with intent to seek God and see the truth, they would have recognized the person of whom they are listening and watching. But, coming instead with blindfolds and ear plugs of man-made doctrines and self-righteousness, they preemptively came not to receive truth but as critics and judges, to reject and condemn the works of God.
Yes, they couldn’t see nor hear spiritual truths! They are disturbed by the Lord’s declaration because they rightly believe that only God has the authority to forgive sins. But they failed to identify who they heard speaking. The Lord Jesus is aware of their thoughts, unmask it by asking them a question, "Whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Rise up and walk?" This question is not meant to be a literal one. Rather, it is a challenge to their narcissistic notion of His authority and the power of God. The Lord is drawing the attention of these religious delegation to the physical condition of the man in their midst. He is leading their skeptical minds to this man’s imminent miraculous healing with awareness that only God can truly heal (Psalm 147:3). Yes, only God can forgive sins. And, all healing is of God. The Psalmist declared: “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases,” (Psalm 103:2-3 ESV).
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
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