Word@Work 018 - Mark 2:6-12
Published: Wed, 12/05/07
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 2:6-12 Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, "Why does this fellow talk like that? He's blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, "Why are you thinking these things? Which is easier: to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up, take your mat and walk'? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins . . . ." He said to the paralytic, "I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home." He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, "We have never seen anything like this!" (NIV)
It is astonishing that Jesus could be accused of blasphemy. Yet in our own age, there are similar protests. Once the Lord Jesus Christ has been reduced to the level of a prophetic teacher, He is just one of many with an equal right to His opinion, but definitely cannot be the supreme authority.
The thought that Jesus Christ was God in a human body was, and is, most offensive to religious people who are outside of Christ. When Jesus forgave the man's sins it was such an obvious statement of His divinity. Then He confronted religious critics on their own theological doorstep and so clearly linked healing, forgiveness of sins and His divine nature - that nobody could miss the point.
Any fair-minded enquirer today, who examines this text, must also come to the same conclusion. Is this process not the primary gospel priority? Some Christians today would rather pray for people than sit down with a colleague and examine how the Bible reports the life and words of Jesus.
Of course, prayer is essential but, without the facts about Jesus, it is an inadequate basis for a relationship with Him. The definitive springboard for faith is found in the Bible. Nowhere else is Jesus so clearly shown: His authoritative behaviour and response to intrigued, bewildered or hostile people still finds direct application. Such people are in every shop or boardroom today.
The opportunities for fellowship and prayer are of great benefit to Christian groups in all sorts of businesses, schools, colleges, and hospitals: but how will an unbeliever know who your Jesus is - let alone believe in Him? If He is best defined in the Bible, why not open it and help the seeker to read and understand what it says?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us such a clear picture of Jesus in the Bible. Give me courage today to share the real Jesus as You have revealed Him in Your Word. For His sake, Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
It is astonishing that Jesus could be accused of blasphemy. Yet in our own age, there are similar protests. Once the Lord Jesus Christ has been reduced to the level of a prophetic teacher, He is just one of many with an equal right to His opinion, but definitely cannot be the supreme authority.
The thought that Jesus Christ was God in a human body was, and is, most offensive to religious people who are outside of Christ. When Jesus forgave the man's sins it was such an obvious statement of His divinity. Then He confronted religious critics on their own theological doorstep and so clearly linked healing, forgiveness of sins and His divine nature - that nobody could miss the point.
Any fair-minded enquirer today, who examines this text, must also come to the same conclusion. Is this process not the primary gospel priority? Some Christians today would rather pray for people than sit down with a colleague and examine how the Bible reports the life and words of Jesus.
Of course, prayer is essential but, without the facts about Jesus, it is an inadequate basis for a relationship with Him. The definitive springboard for faith is found in the Bible. Nowhere else is Jesus so clearly shown: His authoritative behaviour and response to intrigued, bewildered or hostile people still finds direct application. Such people are in every shop or boardroom today.
The opportunities for fellowship and prayer are of great benefit to Christian groups in all sorts of businesses, schools, colleges, and hospitals: but how will an unbeliever know who your Jesus is - let alone believe in Him? If He is best defined in the Bible, why not open it and help the seeker to read and understand what it says?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us such a clear picture of Jesus in the Bible. Give me courage today to share the real Jesus as You have revealed Him in Your Word. For His sake, Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
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