Luke 5:17-26Summary:During “these days” (v.17) of Jesus’ ministry, He is revealing His power, authority, dominion - jurisdiction - over every earthly power. When Jesus says it, it happens. Nothing negotiates with or hesitates to obey Him. Demons flee with a word from Him. All kinds of sickness vanish on His command. Even nature obeys Him! When Jesus says it, it happens. Instantly. Completely. On “one of these days,” Jesus encounters a paralytic being carried by some friends. This paralytic is going to get to Jesus, whatever it takes. Upon seeing his faith, Jesus speaks to Him saying, “man, your sins are forgiven you.” In that instant, based on Jesus’ authoritative word, a miracle happened in the courts of heaven. Instant forgiveness… complete forgiveness. This man’s sins fled from him in the same way the leprosy fled from the afflicted man in the previous passage. In a moment, with a word from Jesus, that paralyzed man was forgiven. How do we know? Because when Jesus says it, it happens. How can we be sure of something we can’t see? In order that we (along with the Pharisees) might know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins, Jesus spoke another word: “Rise, take up your bed and go home.” Our confidence in our peace with God rests not in our power to gain forgiveness, but simply in Jesus’ power and authority.Discussion Questions:
- Discuss Jesus’ authority and dominion in the passages leading up to 5:17. What happens when He speaks, lays hands or wills something?
- What are we invited to believe about His ability to forgive sins? Do you believe?
- Does Jesus leave room for feelings of condemnation amongst those He has forgiven? Describe your experience with condemnation and how this passage gives fresh hope.
- How would you evaluate the joy and gladness of the paralytic and the crowd of Pharisees at the end of this passage?
- How does your doubt/faith in Jesus authority to forgive your sins affect your joy and gladness?
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