The Power to Forgive Sin

26. August 2008 by Bernice Davis.

Hello:   

We are making progress; we are moving on into the 9^th chapter of Matthew.   Our text for today is: 

Matthew 9:1 Jesus stepped into a boat, crossed over and came to his own town. 2 Some men brought to him a paralytic, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.” 3 At this, some of the teachers of the law said to themselves, “This fellow is blaspheming!” 4 Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, “Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts? 5 Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? 6 But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins…” Then he said to the paralytic, “Get up, take your mat and go home.” 7 And the man got up and went home. 8 When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe; and they praised God, who had given such authority to men. (NIV) 

Hello, today our text reveals for the first time in our study the power that Jesus has to forgive sins.   So far, Jesus has established himself as a great teacher, a healer and has demonstrated the ability to cast out demons.     

Forgiveness of sin is the heart of the Christian message.  Our sins can be forgiven.  Jesus died for our sins.    The power to forgive sins is the most distinctive message of the gospel.   

When we started this study, we talked about the theme and message of the gospel of Matthew.  Matthew shows through a myriad of miracles the deity of Christ and the fulfillment of messianic prophecies.   

Thus far, Matthew has established the deity of Christ in the following three ways(1)  as being over the physical realm (waves and winds obey him) (2)  as being over the supernatural realm (demons are subject to him)(3)   and now being on the spiritual realm ( sins are forgiven by him).  

Our text today picks up with Jesus entering into a boat and returning to his home town.  We closed out yesterday with the story about the community of people asking Jesus to leave because of the healing of the demon possessed man.  Today, we see where he went after he was asked to leave that city.  Jesus went home.   Though Jesus was born in

Today, I simply wanted to lay the foundation for this miracle and review some things about the goal of Matthew’s writing.  I try not to do too much info in one day because I want us all to remember the history and retain the story.  My strategy is to give out small bits at a time for memory sake. 

Tomorrow, we’ll get into this miracle.   Every so often, I invite you to review the old posts.  It is my desire that when we finish this book of Matthew that you will have a good foundation in both old and new testament theology. 

For the many people that are just joining me, all the old posts are available for your review and you can reference them at any time. 

Today, don’t forget the simple message of the gospel which is Jesus has the power to forgive sins.  You don’t have to walk in condemnation.  You cannot out sin the grace of God.  There is more grace than any amount of sin that you will ever do.  Yes there are consequences for our actions but one of them is not un-forgiveness.   Jesus has the power to forgive sin.   You hadn’t destroyed anything.   

I John 1: 8 “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.  

God Bless!!!!  

Don’t forget to pray and read God’s word daily.

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