Mark 2:1-12
In Mark 2:1-12, four friends carry their friend who cannot walk before Jesus by lowering the lame man down through the roof. because of their impressive faith, Jesus heals the man and he walks out of the house under his own power. But, that is not actually how the story goes… Before Jesus says, “Get up and walk” he actually tells the man that his “sins are forgiven”.
Clearly the four friends had carried and lowered their lame friend before Jesus so that the one unable to walk might be healed and walk. How confusing, then, to have Jesus first proclaim the forgiveness of sins rather than the healing of the body.
Forgiveness is not what they were after… So they thought.
Which of these is greater? The forgiveness of sins or the ability to walk again? I would pose to you that to be forgiven of sins is so great that the man, even if he never walked and his friends carried him home after seeing Jesus, he would have immense joy. Walking is wonderful, and I certainly do not want to minimize the blessing of good health. But by comparison, the freedom offered by Christ is much greater. To have the bondage, the weight, of sin depart from you is incredible joy.
Which of these reveals the most power? At first you may be tempted to say healing the twisted legs of a lame man is more powerful. After all, I can see a lame man walk, whereas I cannot necessarily see the forgiveness of sins. But the crowd understands the weight of what is happening. Only God can forgive sins. Jesus having the authority to forgive sins gives him a share in the authority of God. The healing of the body only serves as a sign to a much greater power, the power over sin.
Jesus has come to offer you new life, casting the dark parts of your life far away from you. You have the opportunity in Christ to be a new creation. Lean into this call to himself, allow Christ to take off your bondage to guilt and shame. Live free in Jesus.