“Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a sleeping mat…they went up to the roof and lowered the sick man on his mat down…right in front of Jesus. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the man, “Young man, your sins are forgiven.” But the Pharisees and teachers of religious law said to themselves, “WHO DOES HE THINK HE IS? That’s blasphemy! ONLY GOD CAN FORGIVE SINS!” Jesus knew what they were thinking, so He asked them, “Why do you question this in your hearts? Is it easier to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Stand up and walk’? So, I WILL PROVE TO YOU THAT THE SON OF MAN HAS THE AUTHORITY ON EARTH TO FORGIVE SINS.” Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “STAND UP, pick up your mat, and GO HOME!” (Luke 5:18-24) Instantly the man was healed!
The Jewish idea of the Messiah was of a CONQUERING KING. Which is still what they are looking for today, so when the anti-christ, the world leader, a conquering king, comes, they will accept him as their messiah. Like Peter said, “Are you NOW going to restore the kingdom.“ (Acts 1:6) Ezekiel said, “The Son of David”, was to come as a CONQUERING MESSIAH, restoring the political fortunes of the Jews. (Ezekiel 37:24-25)
Notice, Jesus basically says, “I’ll give you proof that I AM GOD THE SON!” “…IMMEDIATELY, as everyone watched, the man JUMPED UP, picked up his mat, and WENT HOME praising God. EVERYONE was gripped with great wonder and awe, and they praised God, exclaiming, “We have seen AMAZING THINGS TODAY!” (Luke 5:25-26)
This is why we need to, “Trust in the LORD with ALL our heart And DO NOT lean on our own understanding. In ALL our ways acknowledge Him, And He will make our paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham