On one of those days, as he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with him to heal. And behold, some men were bringing ron a bed a man who was paralyzed, and they were seeking to bring him in and lay him before Jesus, but finding no way to bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the midst before Jesus. And when he saw their faith, he said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” And the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, saying, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” When Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answered them, “Why do you question in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the man who was paralyzed “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed and go home.” And immediately he rose up before them and picked up what he had been lying on and went home, glorifying God. And amazement seized them all, and they glorified God and were filled with awe, saying, “We have seen extraordinary things today.” Luke 5:17-26
This passage tells of a scene that had to have those present confused. Jesus was known for healing those who were infirmed. The two men bringing their paralyzed friend had to know Jesus could heal him. They went through a lot of trouble for that to happen. The witnesses must have been astonished at the brashness of these two friends, but also curious to see another healing. The passage says Pharisees and teachers of the law were there, most likely to test Jesus and his teachings. Even so, they were probably curious to see what Jesus would do with this invalid.
I don’t think it is wrong to think that the paralytic needed healing. I don’t think it is wrong to say what Jesus said was a surprise. Did the paralytic need his sins forgiven? Yes. Did he need healing? Yes. I think it would have remained a mystery as to why Jesus said to the paralysed man “Your sins are forgiven” if Jesus hadn’t also seen into their hearts and then asked the question”which is easier?” He solves the question in their hearts by showing them that He has power to forgive sins by healing the paralytic. It was so they would KNOW He has the authority to forgive sins. And in doing both of these, he really opened a deeper question for them didn’t He? He asked them which is easier.
I am now wondering about this question. We often counsel couples who really struggle to forgive their spouse’s sins when requested. Others who struggle to forgive the sins of family or friends. I can confess there are times I struggle with forgiving others. So I know it is NOT easy to forgive sins. However, I am certain I could say to a paralytic get up and walk home and carry your bed, or wheelchair with you but nothing would happen. So, which is easier?