City Life Starter

Written by Aisha Darwesh

The Word

And the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, saying, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” When Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answered them, “Why do you question in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” —he said to the man who was paralyzed— “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed and go home.” And immediately he rose up before them and picked up what he had been lying on and went home, glorifying God. And amazement seized them all, and they glorified God and were filled with awe, saying, “We have seen extraordinary things today.” 

Luke 5:21-26 (ESV)

I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed. 

Daniel 7:13-14 (ESV)

Aisha’s Analysis

In today’s portion of Luke, Jesus refers to Himself as the “Son of Man,” a title He used often in the Book of Luke. This is an allusion to the Book of Daniel, and connotes a heavenly title–someone who was given dominion and glory…and the divine right to forgive sins. 

Interestingly, Jesus proclaims Himself the Son of Man within earshot of the Pharisees, who were eagerly evaluating this Jesus they had been hearing so much about. Upon hearing these words, “Son of Man,” they understood the heavenly weight of this title. What’s more, they were aghast to hear Jesus telling the paralytic man his sins were forgiven. 

In the eyes of the Pharisees, Jesus was speaking blasphemy. But this was only because they were looking at Jesus as a mere man and did not believe He was who He said He was. The reaction of the Pharisees displays the doubt and unbelief in their hearts. Astounding how teachers of religious law–people who studied the Word of God their whole lives–could totally miss the Word in flesh right in front of them! 

Jesus, however, wastes no time in setting the record straight. To show them who He is, Jesus commanded the paralytic man to rise, pick up his bed, and walk. And he did! This was a miracle no one could deny and verified the truth of Jesus’ words. 

Isn’t it interesting how Jesus can at times conceal His identity and at other times, He makes His identity as clear as day?! I am sure He did everything as He was led by the Holy Spirit and chose His words carefully. Jesus discerned the hearts of the Pharisees and made His identity plain to them. All they had to do was observe and respond in faith. 

What’s more, Jesus honored the faith of the paralytic man and his friends who helped lower him through the roof. The paralytic man walked out of that place glorifying God while walking home, no doubt savoring every step he could take on his own. 

These verses show us the heart of our Father in Heaven who loves us and displays His power and identity from a desire to build a relationship. Today’s verses are an encouraging reminder that Jesus make Himself available to all who seek Him and want to know who He is.

Application

Like the paralytic man, are you willing to humble yourself and find creative ways to get in front of Jesus? Like the Pharisees, are you curious about who Jesus is and want to know more? 

In both cases (the paralytic man and the Pharisees), Jesus revealed a different aspect of His identity: Healer and someone who has authority to forgive sins. The paralytic man needed to know Jesus as his healer, and the Pharisees needed to see that there was someone greater than their religious laws who could actually forgive their sins and transform their hearts. 

This shows us that Jesus gives us exactly what we need and has the authority to do so. How can you get closer to Jesus today? How can you begin to trust Him to meet your deepest needs today? 

Prayer

Dear Lord, I am so thankful You provide a way out of hopeless situations. In You, I have everything I could possibly ever need. May Your name be glorified forevermore. In Jesus’ name, amen.