Bitesize Bible Commentary:
Mark
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Explanation: In Mark 2:1-12, Jesus asserts his authority over sin by healing and forgiving the sins of a paralysed man. While in Capernaum, a busy crowd gathered around Jesus to see and to hear him teach. Mark states that the crowd was so large that no space was available to reach Jesus directly, which caused four individuals carrying a paralysed man on a stretcher to take a bold step. They made a hole in the roof above where Jesus was teaching and then lowered the stretcher down to Jesus. Jesus, seeing their faith and using their faith as an example to others, forgave the sins of the paralysed man. However, before healing the paralysed man, Jesus perceived that the teachers of the Law were unhappy with what Jesus had said because only God has the authority to forgive sin. Jesus responded by asking a rhetorical question. Is it easier to forgive this man’s sins or to heal his body? The first is easier from a human perspective because it is not verifiable. Anybody can pronounce forgiveness from God and there is no way to disprove the claim. A physical healing, on the other hand, can be seen and verified by all, and will immediately expose the person as a fraud if they lack the power to heal. Jesus therefore used what was visible and verifiable (the man’s physical healing) to prove what was unseen and unknown (the man’s forgiveness and the authority of Jesus to forgive sin). In consequence, the paralysed man was healed and the claims of Jesus were vindicated.
Application: Several important points emerge from the healing and forgiving of the paralysed man in Capernaum. First, Christianity offers forgiveness at the beginning whereas other religions promise forgiveness at the end. This is because salvation in Christianity is based on what Jesus has done (Jesus died as an atoning sacrifice for sin) rather than on what a person must do, hence salvation through faith in Christ. Jesus may have forgiven the sins of the paralysed man to purposefully emphasise this - the man was physically unable to do many of the things that people claim as requirements for salvation. Like the paralysed man, may we never swap the certainty of salvation (what Christ has done) for the uncertainty of salvation (what we must do). This (the certainty of our salvation in Christ through faith) is the distinguishing mark between true religion and false religion and between true Christianity and false Christian sects. As noted, the paralysed man was forgiven at the beginning (apart from works) and thereafter released into a new life as a follower of Jesus. The same is true for us. Second, the paralysed man was healed through the faith of those who brought him to Jesus. This shows that vicarious faith (faith exercised on behalf of others) is effective and can channel the power of God. Like the friends of the paralysed man, may we be driven by a determination to bring others to Jesus for healing and forgiveness.
Jesus, as the great mediator and intercessor of humanity, will do great things as we exercise faith in seeking the salvation of others. When doing so, three things should be remembered. First, only Jesus can heal all sickness and forgive all sin because only Jesus possesses authority over all things. Jesus is the solution to every human problem and the fulfilment or completion of every promise that God has made to humanity. This includes all promises of physical healing and spiritual restoration. Second, being joined to Christ as Saviour involves being joined to the work of Christ as intercessor. The Body of Christ is the visible expression of Jesus in this world, which means that Christian life and ministry are inherently intercessory as the Christian Church continues the work of Christ by interceding for a world that is sick and under the power of sin. Third, your faith in Jesus matters and can make a difference. The paralysed man was healed through the faith and determination of those who brought him to Jesus. In like manner, God intends to bless others through your faith and obedience to Christ.