Luke 5:17-ff

Jesus is always intentional in what He says and does.  In this passage we see Him sitting in a house, teaching and healing, surrounded by Pharisees and teachers of the law.  When the paralyzed man is let down through the roof and set right in front of Jesus,  He spoke these words, "Friend, your sins are forgiven you."  This was not what anyone expected to hear.  But, it was what the man needed the most.  Jesus knew the criticism that would follow.  That didn't matter.. for He was revealing something vital that they all needed to know.

The scribes and Pharisees were shocked by this.  They considered it blasphemy.  They recognized it as a statement that only God could make.  There were only two ways that this could be interpreted... either Jesus was an evil man and speaking blasphemy... or He was God.  As they were considering these choices.. "reasoning in [their] hearts",  Jesus entered into the discussion.  "Which is easier to say, 'Your sins have been forgiven you, or to say, Rise and walk?"  

If Jesus was an evil man, speaking evil, would He or could He heal a paralyzed man?  Jesus helped them in their reasoning.. "But in order that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins... He said to the paralytic - I say to you, rise, and take up your stretcher and go home."
And the man did. Off he went, "glorifying God."  And not only him, "and they were all seized with astonishment and began glorifying God; and they were filled with fear, saying, ' We have seen remarkable things today." 

They had to come to the conclusion that Jesus was not evil, was not blaspheming, but was most certainly God, Himself.  His authority is established.  He healed a paralyzed man with His words which confirmed His power and authority to also forgive sins.  The fact that they were "filled with fear" reveals that they recognized the Presence of God.

Father in heaven,  may we recognize Your presence in our lives today and glorify You, giving You all our praise and thanksgiving.  Every gift we have is from Your hands.  Even this moment, I thank You for the Word of God... the Truth that reveals the power and authority of Jesus to forgive sins and to heal bodies.  Thank You for the gift of salvation through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, Who takes away the sin of the world.  Thank You for family and friends and for the church.  I pray for those who are still walking in darkness, asking that You would open blind eyes and change hearts of stone.. that all of my family will know You and walk in faith by Your Spirit, in the Name and authority of Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen.