What is Jesus Calling Us To? – Forgiven and Forgiving

On Sunday, February 6, 2022, Pastor Stuart Nice shared a message in person and online via YouTube Live. Pastor Stuart continued the story of Jesus’ healing of the paralytic man, focusing on forgiveness. Jesus finds himself in a conflict over his statement about forgiveness and takes the opportunity to declare his authority as the Son of Man with the proof of healing along with forgiving the paralyzed man. Jesus offers himself to us as the one who forgives, heals, and is our example to do the same in our world today.

When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.”
The Pharisees and the teachers of the law began thinking to themselves, “Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?”
Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the paralyzed man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God. Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, “We have seen remarkable things today.”
Luke 5:20-26 (NIV)