How does Luke 5:21 challenge our understanding of Jesus' authority to forgive sins? Setting the Scene Luke 5:21: “But the scribes and Pharisees began thinking to themselves, ‘Who is this man who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?’” • Jesus has just pronounced forgiveness over the paralyzed man (v. 20). • The religious experts recognize that forgiveness of sins is exclusively God’s prerogative (cf. Isaiah 43:25). • Their silent objection frames the core issue: if Jesus is not God, His words are blasphemous; if He is God, His authority is absolute. What the Scribes and Pharisees Understood • The Law taught that sin is an offense against God (Psalm 51:4). Therefore, only God can pardon. • Every Levitical sacrifice pointed to divine forgiveness mediated through the priesthood, never pronounced directly by a man on his own authority. • By claiming to forgive instantly and personally, Jesus bypassed the whole sacrificial system, asserting prerogatives reserved for Yahweh. Jesus’ Authority Unveiled • He proves His right to forgive by healing the paralytic (Luke 5:24-25), providing visible confirmation of an invisible act. • Parallel account: “The Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” (Mark 2:10). The miracle validates the claim. • Daniel 7:13-14 identifies the “Son of Man” as the divine figure who receives everlasting dominion. Jesus links Himself to that prophecy. • Later, He seals this authority through His atoning death and resurrection (Romans 4:25). Theological Significance • Deity of Christ: The episode forces a decision—either Jesus is God in flesh (John 1:14) or a blasphemer. Scripture presents Him unequivocally as God (John 20:28; Colossians 2:9). • Substitutionary atonement foreshadowed: by forgiving before the cross, Jesus displays sovereign grace grounded in the sacrifice He would soon offer (Hebrews 10:10-14). • Fulfillment of covenant promises: God promised a new covenant of full forgiveness (Jeremiah 31:34). Jesus inaugurates that reality. Personal Application • Confidence in forgiveness: Because Jesus possesses divine authority, believers rest in complete pardon (1 John 1:9). • Worship and obedience: Recognizing His deity compels wholehearted devotion (Philippians 2:9-11). • Evangelistic urgency: The same Lord who forgives also commands the gospel proclamation (Luke 24:47). |
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