Jesus forgives sin

The greatest problem of the human race and each person individually is our sin.

Sinful nature- sinful lives

Sometimes people do not like to speak about sin, they think its negative. Lets talk about positive things. The problem is the Bible presents it as the thing that has caused all of our problems

Sin is what caused the fall, it is what separates us from God, it is what Jesus Christ came to deal with.

Why is it so serious?

It is against God- the good and loving God

it destroys us and others

It will end in hell

We can’t deal with it ourselves. What can be done?

Luke writes his Gospel to show that Jesus is the sinners hope. He is the friend of sinners

This chapter is a great example of this point.

In our passage Jesus claims to have the authority to forgive sins.

Main point- Jesus has power to forgive sins.

Illustration of Pilgrim’s burden- I want to get rid of this burden.

The power to forgive sin was claimed, challenged and proved.

I. Claimed v.20

Tell narrative-

a)Man, your sins are forgiven you.

Sins-

Forgiven- No longer guilty, no longer accountable.

Jesus was dealing with a greater need.

-Here is a challenge to those who come to Jesus for the wrong reasons. It would be a tragedy if you were healed of your disease but never cleansed from your sin.

App-

Jesus can forgive sins- Comfort Christians, persuade unbelievers

II. Challenged v.21

a) Who is this who speaks blasphemies?

b) Who can forgive sins but God alone?

App-

Only God can forgive sins- Jesus is God

They had a wrong view of who Jesus was. Would this describe you?

III. Proved v.22-25

a) What is easier to say

It is easier to say your sins are forgiven as you can’t see if it s true. Here is a demonstration of its truth.

Son of Man- Daniel, Messiah

Has authority to forgive sins-

Why did he have power to forgive sins?

Because of calvary- His substitutionary death for sinners

b) Rise up and walk

c) Immediately

Immediately he was healed, when a person believes in Christ immediately their sins are forgiven. His healing was immediate and complete- after being paralyzed more some time his muscles would have wasted and his strength would be very little. But he rose straight away and had enough strength to pick up his mat and go home.

v.20 When he saw their faith… Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith.

Conclusion

Jesus has the power to forgive sins. That has been proved.

Be like the friends of this man and earnestly come to Christ.

Illustration- Pilgrim looked to the cross and the burden rolled off

But maybe you think yes he may have the power but that does not make him willing to forgive mine. Maybe you think he is a stingy Saviour.

Let me finish with some of the things he said;

Come unto me...

I will never turn away...

Come ye sinners

poor and needy,

sick anf wounded by the fall

Jesus ready stands to save you...