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Christ has authority to forgive


Gospel
Mark 2:1-12
The Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins

When Jesus returned to Capernaum, word went round that he was back; and so many people collected that there was no room left, even in front of the door. He was preaching the word to them when some people came bringing him a paralytic carried by four men, but as the crowd made it impossible to get the man to him, they stripped the roof over the place where Jesus was; and when they had made an opening, they lowered the stretcher on which the paralytic lay. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralytic, ‘My child, your sins are forgiven.’ Now some scribes were sitting there, and they thought to themselves, ‘How can this man talk like that? He is blaspheming. Who can forgive sins but God?’ Jesus, inwardly aware that this was what they were thinking, said to them, ‘Why do you have these thoughts in your hearts? Which of these is easier: to say to the paralytic, “Your sins are forgiven” or to say, “Get up, pick up your stretcher and walk”? But to prove to you that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins,’ – he turned to the paralytic – ‘I order you: get up, pick up your stretcher, and go off home.’ And the man got up, picked up his stretcher at once and walked out in front of everyone, so that they were all astounded and praised God saying, ‘We have never seen anything like this.’

Short Reflection

In this powerful story, we see both radical faith and divine authority. The friends of the paralyzed man were so determined to reach Jesus that they literally broke through the roof. Their actions reveal a faith that is active, persistent, and creative — faith that refuses to let obstacles stand in the way of encountering Christ.

Jesus’ response is surprising. Instead of immediately healing the man’s body, He first speaks to his deeper need: “Your sins are forgiven.” The scribes see this as blasphemy, since only God can forgive sins. Jesus then demonstrates His divine authority by healing the man’s paralysis — showing that His power over the spiritual and physical realms comes from the same source. The miracle confirms His identity and His mission: to restore and make whole.

This passage reminds us that Jesus sees beyond our visible needs to the deeper healing we require. It also challenges us: Do we bring others to Jesus with the same determination? Do we trust His authority over every area of our lives?

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Question for Reflection

What "roof" do I need to open — what obstacle must I overcome — to bring myself or someone else closer to Jesus today?

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Short Prayer

Lord Jesus,
You see beyond my visible needs to the deepest parts of my heart.
Give me the persistent faith of those who carried their friend to You,
and help me trust in Your authority to forgive, heal, and restore.
May I never doubt Your power to make whole what is broken.
Amen.

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