QT 10/20/2023 Mark 2:1-12, The truth is out there (and it's Jesus)

Mark 2:1–12 (ESV) —

1 And when he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. 2 And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them. 3 And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. 4 And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. 5 And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” 6 Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, 7 “Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 8 And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you question these things in your hearts? 9 Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your bed and walk’? 10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic— 11 “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.” 12 And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”

 

NOTE: The reason for the crowd is the healing of the leper, a miracle that the Jews believed only the Messiah could do. It was one of three messianic miracles. The leaders investigate these "messiah-sightings" initially through observation, then interrogation before delivering a verdict. Jesus knew they were there and why they were there. He intentionally exhibits (conveys) his authority as the Son of God. Only God can forgive sins. That is a true statement. Therefore, Jesus is either God or a blasphemer. Jesus "proves" his statement by inferring that a blasphemer would not have the ability to heal a paralytic because God would not be with him. The leaders were left with a very difficult problem which ultimately causes them to decide that he must be Satan himself.

 

These historical accounts are authentic, meeting established criteria -- multiple sources, large audience both supporting and credibly opposing (although not to the occurrence to the event). This particular miracle is very difficult to contradict. Jesus performs many such miracles. The last miracle was rising from the dead, as he promised. There is no excuse for not believing. One can harden the heart and create reasons not to believe, but they are just hurting themselves -- their lies will not stand up to rigorous investigation.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I know why I believe or don't believe?
2. Have I really investigated the facts?

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you for the voluminous material about Jesus' life and death. Thank you that you have clearly made your salvation known. I pray that you would open the eyes of those blinded by hatred and that they would see Jesus, the truth.