As Hannah mentioned yesterday, Jesus has begun His ministry and is demonstrating His authority through His miracles. Today, He clarifies that He is unique among those sent by God because He claims He has the authority to do something that only God can do--forgive sins. Praise God that Jesus has both the authority over our physical world, to heal our bodily deformities and infirmities, as well authority over the spiritual world, to forgive our sins and mend our soul’s deformities.

Luke 5.17-26

17 On one of those days, as he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with him to heal. 18 And behold, some men were bringing on a bed a man who was paralyzed, and they were seeking to bring him in and lay him before Jesus, 19 but finding no way to bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the midst before Jesus. 20 And when he saw their faith, he said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” 21 And the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, saying, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 22 When Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answered them, “Why do you question in your hearts? 23 Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? 24 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the man who was paralyzed—“I say to you, rise, pick up your bed and go home.” 25 And immediately he rose up before them and picked up what he had been lying on and went home, glorifying God. 26 And amazement seized them all, and they glorified God and were filled with awe, saying, “We have seen extraordinary things today.”

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ Jesus’ teaching and ministry has drawn some attention. Who has come to observe Him and where did they come from? What does this indicate? [v. 17]

+ Why do the friends of the paralytic lower him through the roof? What does this demonstrate that they believe about Jesus? [vv. 18-19]

+ What is odd about what Jesus says to the paralytic? What does it mean to forgive sins?

+ What question does Jesus pose to the Pharisees and teachers of the Law? What does it show about Jesus’ power? [vv. 22-23]

+ Why does Jesus say that he has asked them this question? What does Jesus’ ability to satisfy both parts indicate about his nature? [v. 24]

+ How does the paralytic respond? How does everyone witnessing this respond? [vv. 25-26]

+ How does Jesus emphasize that He is both fully God and fully man in this passage?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ Do I live believing that Jesus has power over both the physical and spiritual realms? How would my life change if I did believe this?

+ How do I respond when the Lord answers my physical or spiritual needs? Am I quick to glorify Him and praise Him?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?