Scripture: Luke 5:21-23
The legal experts and Pharisees began to mutter among themselves, “Who is this who insults God? Only God can forgive sins!” Jesus recognized what they were discussing and responded, “Why do you fill your minds with these questions? Which is easier—to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’?
Thought for the Day: Some people had brought a friend to Jesus who was paralyzed, and upon seeing their faith, Jesus says, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.” There were some among the religious establishment who were less than pleased about the ease at which Jesus offered forgiveness. In fact, they didn’t like what was being suggested in his willingness to speak so candidly of God’s forgiveness. One of the great sources of power in institutional religion is the power to give or withhold forgiveness. Religion, in its many forms, has enjoyed playing gatekeeper at the threshold of mercy. If you wield the power well, you can control people – and even looking at history – you can control nations. Jesus shared forgiveness, but he did not appear to want some sort of exclusive authority of the distribution of the forgiveness. As I read it, forgiveness, mercy and compassion were never intended to be owed, only given. Or let me say it a little differently — the ability to forgive is a responsibility given to us. The responsibility is not to determine worthiness. The responsibility is only to God, who shows us how to give without condition.
Prayer: For your forgiveness, God, that is given with such generosity, I am thankful. May what I have received be what I share with others. Amen.
