What is Easier?
Mark 2: 1 – 9
1 And again He entered Capernaum after some days, and it was heard that He was in the house.
2 Immediately many gathered together, so that there was no longer room to receive them, not even near the door. And He preached the word to them.
3 Then they came to Him, bringing a paralytic who was carried by four men.
4 And when they could not come near Him because of the crowd, they uncovered the roof where He was. So when they had broken through, they let down the bed on which the paralytic was lying.
5 When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven you."
6 And some of the scribes were sitting there and reasoning in their hearts,
7 "Why does this Man speak blasphemies like this? Who can forgive sins but God alone?"
8 But immediately, when Jesus perceived in His spirit that they reasoned thus within themselves, He said to them, "Why do you reason about these things in your hearts?
9 Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven you,' or to say, 'Arise, take up your bed and walk'?
Jesus posed an intriguing question to the scribes. He challenged them regarding what was easier; to say to the paralytic, “Your sins are forgiven you”, or to tell him, “Arise, take up your bed, and walk”? From a practical perspective, we could easily assume that telling the paralytic to walk was simpler. After all, healing was what he needed and what he was there for. Apparently however, Jesus considered it easier to say to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you”? So why?
Simply telling the paralytic to walk would have addressed his immediate need, yet Jesus always sees beyond the need and addresses the heart. Quick solutions and immediate answers may be what we long for, but for us to retain and sustain what we are given, then what is in our heart needs to be confronted and healed.
Furthermore, verse five reveals that Jesus saw their faith. The plural suggests that it was the faith of the friends, not necessarily the paralytic himself. While others can believe for us, our own faith is what truly matters in the long run. What is in us can undermine what is given to us. Ultimately, we regress to the level we believe we deserve. We will undermine blessing and favor when we are laden with condemnation and guilt.
Jesus addressing the paralytic as “son” would have had a profound impact on his heart. Most saw his disability, while religion viewed him as a reject, as his condition excluded him from entering the temple. Social contact would be limited, and we can merely speculate regarding the attitude of his parents and siblings. While addressing the outward, it says nothing regarding his inner world. We can only surmise regarding the hopelessness and despair that overshadowed his life and assume that his mind went places his body could not access. Yet Jesus called him “son.” In a culture known for associating sickness with sin, Jesus affirms his worth and validates relationship.
The ease of saying “your sins are forgiven” highlights the reality that when we know our sins are forgiven, we have confidence before God (1 John 3:21). Forgiveness frees us from self-consciousness and allows us to focus on His heart, goodness, and provision, enabling us to receive from Him.
The process of ministering to the heart before meeting needs may take longer, but the fruit is lasting. I wonder where the paralytic’s thoughts went when Jesus proclaimed that his sins were forgiven. We know the scribes debated the audacity of such a statement, but what did the man lying on the bed think? We are not told, for each heart holds its own memories. Disappointment, failure and sin, impounds our heart, challenges our worth and undermines our faith. Only the knowledge of our forgiveness can free us to receive what the Lord is willing to give.
Are you holding to beliefs that limit your ability to receive? Do you know that your sins are forgiven? Jesus did not address this statement to the crowd but to one he called “son.” It was personal and direct. It is not about what others believe; it is about what you believe. If you are a child of God, then know that your sins are forgiven. Jesus’ resurrection declares this to be so (Romans 4:25).
It is easier to say, “Your sins are forgiven you” because only you can settle in your own heart what Jesus’ thoughts are towards you. Does He care about you? Yes. Are your sins forgiven? Totally! Do your needs matter? Absolutely. He who holds the keys of hell and death wants to set you free. In the freedom of forgiveness is the faith for healing, blessing and restoration. He who forgives our iniquities, heals our diseases (Psalm 103:3). Acknowledge the first, and you’ll lay hold of the second. Why? Because it is easier to say, “Your sins are forgiven you.” Out of the awareness of His forgiveness comes the faith to arise in the blessing and healing that He has already provided.
Consider:
Are your thoughts focused on your worthiness or His willingness?
Have you put conditions on receiving from God?
