CHRIST'S AUTHORITY OVER SIN

The Faith of the Friends

The paralytic’s friends went to great lengths to bring him to Jesus.

Matthew 4:19 “And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.””

See 2 Corinthians 5:17-20...

Shouldn’t Christians go to great lengths to bring the lost to Christ?

The Faith of the Paralytic

Though the paralytic was crippled, his greatest need was forgiveness.

Psalm 130:3 “If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?”

The man didn’t have to do anything to earn forgiveness, he just received it by faith.

Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

Hebrews 11:6 “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.”

See Ephesians 2:8–10...

The Mercy of the Savior

Jesus is always ready to offer forgiveness to those who come to Him in faith.

1 Timothy 1:15 “The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.”

Mark 2:17 “And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.””

Our sins are many, but His mercy is more.

Ephesians 2:4–5 “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—”

The Complaint of the Scribes

The scribes were correct that only God can forgive sins, but they were wrong about who Christ was.

Mark 2:6–7 “Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, “Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?””

The Authority of Christ

Christ’s ability to heal was proof that He had authority to forgive sins.

Matthew 28:18 “And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”

John 17:1–2 “When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him.”