It is easy to say the above. It is something else to mean it and carry it out.
“5For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’?” — Matthew 9:5 (ESV)
Jesus was well aware of the ease at which one can say something that is difficult to, if not impossible to understand (unless you are of/for God). Anyone can say something, but to make it so takes another level of capability. Jesus had that capability and authority to do so.
“’6But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins’—he then said to the paralytic—‘Rise, pick up your bed and go home.’” — Matthew 9:6 (ESV)
Man, those not of/for God, find it difficult to accept that which they cannot see. Jesus knew and understood this and as such, He proved himself to those looking on at the events as they unfolded. He mentioned that it was indeed easy to say that the man’s sins were forgiven and that with His authority, He meant it, but to prove to them His authority, He also healed the man of his paralysis.
Jesus has all authority to say and act as He will. He spent His time saying and acting to bring glory to God the Father and doing His work here in this world. It is a shame that as humans there is a need to require proof. As Jesus knows this, He does what is necessary to reach those which are in need. Even upon His resurrection from death, He proved His life with Thomas.
“25So the other disciples told him, ‘We have seen the Lord.’ But he said to them, ‘Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.’ 27Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.’ 28Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ 29Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’” — John 20:25 & 27-29 (ESV)
Jesus did what was needed for others to believe. I like to believe that I am one of those referred to in the last part of John 20:29, “those who have not seen and yet have believed”. Jesus has forgiven my sins and for that I am grateful and devote myself to doing the work He has for me in this world.
What is your approach to believing? Are you one that requires things to be proven for you to believe? What if you were to accept Christ and the forgiveness of your sins without things being proven?
Trevor's Thoughts 