What does "the Son of Man has authority" reveal about Jesus' identity? Context of the Claim Mark 2:10: “But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins…” • Scene: A paralytic is lowered through the roof (Mark 2:1-12; Matthew 9:1-8; Luke 5:17-26). • Religious leaders silently charge Jesus with blasphemy for declaring, “Your sins are forgiven.” • Jesus heals the man physically to verify His right to forgive spiritually. “Son of Man”―A Loaded Title • Drawn from Daniel 7:13-14, where “One like a Son of Man” is given “dominion, glory, and a kingdom.” • Emphasizes genuine humanity while pointing to heavenly origin. • Identifies the promised Messiah-King who receives eternal rule from the Ancient of Days. Authority Reserved for God Alone • Forgiving sin (Isaiah 43:25). • Lordship over the Sabbath (Mark 2:28). • Command of wind and waves (Mark 4:39-41). • Power to judge all people (John 5:27; Acts 17:31). • Right to grant eternal life (John 17:2). • Universal sovereignty (Matthew 28:18). What This Authority Reveals about Jesus’ Identity • He is fully divine—exercising prerogatives Scripture assigns only to God. • He is the prophesied Daniel 7 Son of Man—heaven-sent ruler with everlasting dominion. • He is truly human—able to stand in our place as the second Adam. • He is the long-awaited Savior—possessing power to forgive, heal, and restore. • He is the ultimate Judge—holding destiny of every person in His hands. Living in Light of His Authority • Confidence: Our sins are forgiven on the unshakable word of the King. • Obedience: Every area of life rightly comes under His lordship. • Hope: The same authority that pardons now will one day renew all creation (Revelation 21:5). |
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