How does Matthew 9:3 challenge our understanding of Jesus' authority to forgive sins? Setting the Scene “Some men brought to Him a paralytic, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, ‘Take courage, son; your sins are forgiven.’ ” (Matthew 9:2) The Immediate Reaction “And at this, some of the scribes said to themselves, ‘This man is blaspheming!’ ” (Matthew 9:3) Why the Charge of Blasphemy? • The scribes knew only God can forgive sins (Isaiah 43:25; Psalm 103:3). • If Jesus is merely human, declaring forgiveness usurps divine prerogative (Exodus 34:6–7). • Calling His words “blasphemy” shows they recognized the gravity of the claim—even if they rejected it. Jesus’ Authority Confirmed • He reads their unspoken thoughts—something only God can do (Matthew 9:4). • He poses the question: “Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’?” (v. 5). • By healing the paralytic instantly (v. 6–7), He provides visible proof that His invisible authority is real. • The crowd responds with awe, giving glory to God for granting “such authority to men” (v. 8). How Matthew 9:3 Challenges Us • We must decide if Jesus is truly divine; if not, the scribes’ charge stands. • The verse presses us to accept a literal, not symbolic, forgiveness—rooted in Christ’s person. • It confronts any attempt to limit Jesus to merely a teacher or prophet. • It anchors our assurance of forgiveness in a historic act, not personal feeling. Echoes in the Rest of Scripture • Mark 2:7; Luke 5:21—parallel accounts reinforcing the same dilemma. • John 10:33—Jews again accuse Jesus of blasphemy for claiming equality with God. • Colossians 1:13–14—redemption and forgiveness are “in the Son.” • Hebrews 1:3—He “provided purification for sins,” sitting down at the Father’s right hand. Living It Out • Approach Jesus with the same bold faith the friends showed, confident of both spiritual and physical deliverance. • Rest in the certainty that when He says, “Your sins are forgiven,” it is heaven’s final word. • Worship Him as the God-Man whose authority silences every accusation and heals every broken soul. |
    |