Power to Forgive:
Which is Easier? – Part 2

Scripture Reading: Matthew 9:2-8

Key Verse: Matthew 9:5

Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’?

Yesterday’s devotional looked at the human tendency to value this life’s comforts over the eternal comforts.  The paralytic wanted to be physically healed, which is understandable.  He could not appreciate the fact that Jesus had forgiven his sins, which was a far greater gift.

Of course, Jesus knew all their thoughts.  He knew this paralytic’s disappointment.  Jesus knew the thoughts of the Pharisees who were indignant with Him, believing Jesus was a blasphemer for speaking of forgiving sins.

Jesus asked them all the question: Which is easier, to forgive or to heal physical bodies?  Jesus answers that question by telling the man to “get up and walk,” which he did.  Don’t miss the reason Jesus healed this man: “But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins…” (vs. 6).

Have you received forgiveness of your sins?  What I mean by the question is, not have you asked, but have you truly received?  Most ask God to forgive them but continue to live like their sins are still counted against them.  You are forgiven.  Your sins are gone.  Your heart is white as snow.  Rejoice!  Jesus was given the authority on earth for you and me to be cleansed of our sins.  Confess, believe, and rejoice!

Father, I praise you now and will praise you throughout eternity for my forgiveness.  You are my Redeemer!  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.