Recognize Christ’s Authority: Authority Over Sin

Scripture Reading:  Matthew 9:1-8

Key Verse:  Matthew 9:6

But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins….” Then he said to the paralytic, “Get up, take your mat and go home.”

A paralytic was brought to Jesus.  Everyone expected a miracle.  The miracle the crowd wanted focused on physical healing.  Jesus looked at the man and said, “Your sins are forgiven.”  The angels in heaven were rejoicing over this eternal work of forgiveness of sins.  Heaven knew no greater miracle could occur!  The crowd was disappointed.  The Pharisees secretly called Jesus a blasphemer because He took authority to forgive this man’s sins.

Jesus, knowing the secrets of their hearts, asked, which is easier, to forgive sins or heal the physical body?  We tend to believe that a physical healing is the greater miracle.  Our physical eyes can see this miracle and we are impressed.  Those in the spiritual world understand the authority and power it takes to change a man’s eternal destiny by forgiving his sins.

Jesus finally said, “so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority…”  Here is the critical key to these verses: That we may recognize the authority Jesus has!  Do we truly recognize Jesus’ authority?  Do we understand that He alone has been given authority over sin, and He alone can forgive our sins?  When we ask Jesus into our hearts, He comes into us with this authority and forgives our sins.  Have you received and rejoiced over the authority living in you?  No sin need triumph over you today!

Father, I praise you for the authority you gave Jesus.  I receive Him and recognize that authority living in me.  I will walk in victory today.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.