And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, “Why are you thinking evil in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, and walk’?”
— Matthew 9:4–5 —
Misko Horvatek: Theological Biblical Academy | Croatia
Several men brought a poor paralytic man to Jesus so that He would heal him. This man was not only physically incapacitated, but also spiritually dead, which was his paramount problem. We admire the men for their compassion on their friend. Obviously, they wanted him to be made well, so that he would not depend on others to carry him around, and that he would be able to take care of himself and even care for other people’s needs. Countless professing Christians do not know their need or the real reason why Jesus came to this earth. However, one thing his friends did not know was his greatest need—forgiveness of his sins. Forgiveness of sin is the number one need of every person. Regrettably, countless professing Christians do not know their need or the real reason why Jesus came to this earth. His coming was not to heal bodies, but save souls. Estimates are that 81 percent of the population in Croatia claims to be Roman Catholic. They will sadly hear the same expression as these men but from the wrong person—from their priests, and not from the Lord. This is nothing new under the heavens. When scribes (predecessors of Roman Catholic priests) heard Jesus say, “Your sins are forgiven, get up and walk,” they were so upset, that they accused the Lord of blasphemy. The Lord had to confront and correct their error. Pray with us that the countless, deluded Croats would believe that only the Lord Jesus has the authority to say, “Your sins are forgiven.” And may all of us endeavor to confront and correct false teaching, which keeps people from experiencing the great joy of having their sins forgiven.
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