What Old Testament scriptures support Jesus' authority to forgive sins? Mark 2:7—Why the Question Matters “Why does this man speak like this? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” • The scribes’ logic was sound: Scripture teaches that only the LORD forgives sin. • Jesus answers their unspoken thoughts by healing the paralytic and thus shows that His words carry the very authority of God. Old Testament Foundation—Only God Forgives Sin • Exodus 34:6-7 – “The LORD, the LORD God… forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin.” • Psalm 103:2-3 – “He who forgives all your iniquities.” • Isaiah 43:25 – “I, yes I, am He who blots out your transgressions… and remembers your sins no more.” • Daniel 9:9 – “To the Lord our God belong compassion and forgiveness.” • Micah 7:18-19 – “Who is a God like You, who pardons iniquity… You will cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.” These texts form the backdrop for the scribes’ shock: if Jesus speaks true, He shares in God’s unique prerogative. Messianic Promises—A Coming One Who Brings Divine Forgiveness • Isaiah 53:11-12 – “My righteous Servant will justify many, and He will bear their iniquities.” • Jeremiah 31:34 – “For I will forgive their iniquity and will remember their sins no more.” • Zechariah 3:8-9 – “I am going to bring My Servant, the Branch… and I will remove the iniquity of this land in a single day.” • Zechariah 13:1 – “On that day a fountain will be opened… to cleanse them from sin and impurity.” • Isaiah 61:1-2 – “He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives… and the day of vengeance of our God.” These prophecies anticipate a Messiah who does more than announce forgiveness—He effects it. Priests and Prophets—Human Mouthpieces, Divine Authority • Leviticus 4:20; 16:30 – Priests offer sacrifice, then “the priest shall make atonement… and he will be forgiven.” The priest does not forgive; he pronounces what God grants. • 2 Samuel 12:13 – Nathan to David: “The LORD also has put away your sin; you shall not die.” Even prophets speak only on God’s behalf. Their roles highlight the contrast: Jesus forgives directly, not merely declaring God’s forgiveness but authoritatively granting it Himself. How These Texts Undergird Jesus’ Claim 1. Scripture says only God forgives; Jesus forgives—therefore Jesus rightly claims divine authority. 2. Messianic prophecies promised a Servant who would carry sin away; Jesus embodies that Servant. 3. The healing of the paralytic serves as visible proof that His invisible word of forgiveness is genuine. Key Takeaways for Today • The Old Testament is not silent on Jesus’ right to forgive; it prepares us to recognize Him as the LORD who pardons. • Forgiveness is more than a feeling—it rests on the unchanging character of God revealed in Christ. • When Jesus says, “Your sins are forgiven,” He speaks with all the authority that thundered from Sinai and was promised by the prophets. |
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