Easier To Say

Reading: Luke 5:17-26

21 But the Pharisees and teachers of religious law said to themselves, “Who does he think he is? That’s blasphemy! Only God can forgive sins!” 22 Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he asked them, “Why do you question this in your hearts? 23 Is it easier to say ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Stand up and walk’? 24 So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!” 25 And immediately, as everyone watched, the man jumped up, picked up his mat, and went home praising God. (Luke 5:21-25 NLT)

How easy is it to say, “Your sins are forgiven?” My friend Nigel was standing on the pedestrian safety island of a busy street in Ilford, London waiting to cross the next lane. Suddenly a motorist impatiently trying to edge around the cars stopped for the traffic light, illegally drove up on the safety island and drove over Nigel’s foot, crushing bones and tearing ligaments. It took weeks of painful recovery and limited activity for Nigel, all because of a moment’s “sin” by a careless motorist. Nigel forgave the man!

Forgiveness is such an amazing concept! To forgive: To refrain from: exacting payment, taking someone to court, inflicting revenge, smoldering with resentment, lashing out in anger, getting even, or “making sure justice is done.”

I think I see something of what Jesus meant when he asked, “Is it easier to forgive sins or to heal a crippled body?”

It takes power beyond ourselves to truly forgive someone’s sins. Because Jesus was willing to forgive sins against himself (“Father forgive them. They don’t know what they are doing!”), he can forgive the sins of the world.

If I can learn to draw on the grace to forgive sins against myself, maybe I can be used by God to help others forgive and be forgiven.

Friends, do you think we can do this?

Prayer:

Father, I wince a little with anticipation, kind of like getting ready for the nurse’s needle to give me an injection of healing or preventative medicine. But I pray a phrase from the prayer of Saint Francis, “Lord make me an instrument of your peace.” I want to be a forgiver and a healer, and it’s scary to say that, because I know there’s a cost. Please be gentle with me! For Your Kingdom’s Sake, Amen.