Mark 2:6-12

Talk can be cheap.
Mark 2: 6-12

In response to faith, Y'shua/Jesus forgave sin. The scribes (teachers) thought about this and rightly concluded that only God can forgive sin. Had they missed something?

But there were some of the scribes sitting there and reasoning in their hearts, "Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming; who can forgive sins but God alone?" And immediately Jesus, aware in His spirit that they were reasoning that way within themselves, said to them, "Why are you reasoning about these things in your hearts? "Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven'; or to say, 'Arise, and take up your pallet and walk'? "But in order that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins"-- He said to the paralytic--"I say to you, rise, take up your pallet and go home." And he rose and immediately took up the pallet and went out in the sight of all; so that they were all amazed and were glorifying God, saying, "We have never seen anything like this.
"Mark 2:6-12 NAS

Y'shua was well known for his healing power. The first chapter of Mark has already given plenty of examples as evidence of his authentic power to heal. The result hindered his ministry of proclaiming the Word of the Gospel as crowds of people who longed for a healing touch pressed in on Him. Throughout the Torah, the Prophets and Psalms, there are examples and promises that Messiah will have the power to heal. It was to be a sign, an indicator of the authentic Messiah of God and the scribes were not wrong to examine Y'shua in light of Scripture. But had they missed something?

And He passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, "The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin.
Exodus 34:6-7 (from the cleft of the rock)

Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits--who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases
Psalm 103:2-3

For my own sake, for my own sake, I do this. How can I let myself be defamed? I will not yield my glory to another.
Isaiah 48:11

Healing was taking place, healings that had NEVER happened before. Everyone was excited, some were commended for their faith. Why? Because faith believes. But seeing does not always result in believing.

Our God will not share his glory with another. (Isaiah 48:11). The Son of God drove demons out of the Assembly and healed affliction. Now He is also proclaiming forgiveness of sin. But the shock that He forgave sin wouldn't (or shouldn't) have been so shocking if those teachers had understood the Word. Only God forgives sin and heals the body. The two are tied together. The conclusion that the teachers came to should not have been that He was blaspheming, but that He is Immanuel, God with us.

Why would it be easier to say, "Your sins are forgiven," instead of saying, "Get up and walk,"? The most obvious answer is that the evidence that sin is forgiven is not easy to observe. It is not the same with a proclamation of physical healing, it either happens or it doesn't.

For the faith of the friends of the paralytic, sin was forgiven, an eternal gift. But for the teachers to understand the authority of Immanuel, the Son of Man, Y'shua healed the paralytic's body and commanded him to gather his stuff and walk out on his own power, a temporal gift. And they understood, and gave the Glory to God.

He who comes to God must believe that He is and that He rewards those who seek Him. Hebrews 11:6

Why have you come to God? Is there something you need or do you just need Him? He rewards those who look for him. When you find Him, then you will know He is all you need, but He gives so much more!