Time with Jesus: Luke 5:12-26 Part 1
A Series on the Life of Christ According to Luke
“Which one is easier: to say your sins are forgiven or arise and walk?” When we spend time with Jesus, when we really walk with him, I must admit that I find it harder at times to accept that he has forgiven me. Sins can feel so abstract at times. What is the practical difference of sins forgiven? How do I know they are forgiven? If a man walked up to a person and forgave their sins how would I know that anything has changed? It’s an easy thing to say, but what proof do we have that it has happened?
Dr Luke lays out his narrative well as he guides us to this question: how do we know that Jesus is the Savior of the World? It’s easy to say that, but what proof do we have? What’s easier: to say that Jesus is the Savior of the World or to list the evidence of his power to forgive, heal, cast out demons, command creation, and even raise the dead? Jesus understands this question in the hearts of the Pharisees and teachers of the law. Keep in mind that they have just had a man cured of leprosy report to the synagogue so they know that this Jesus is powerful to heal.
But, so that they may know he has the power to forgive sins he commands the lame legs to regain their strength and walk. Those who criticized him in their hearts could only react in shock. How often in my own heart have I said “Sure, I’m forgiven of my sins—that’s easy to argue for theologically—but what about . . . ?” It’s easy to affirm it intellectually without really believing it. Yet the evidence of God’s handiwork in all facets of life is seen by all who are willing to look in faith—even when that faith is weak—because he is always working in the practical parts of life.
It’s easy sometimes to affirm general abstract truths, but it takes eyes looking for Jesus to see the practical ways that he is making things new. Walking with Jesus means that we have eyes willing to see rather than hearts questioning his authority. And when we don’t, he is often willing to stop and demonstrate his power for our sake so that we can have confidence that we are forgiven and that he will heal Creation.
Jesus is making all things new. Amen.