THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 9:1-8
“The Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” (Matthew 9:2)
Is Jesus doing the forgiving, or is He announcing God’s forgiveness?
I believe that Jesus is acting as God’s representative.
As the Son of Man (Adam), He has been entrusted with God’s authority.
But remember, we were also entrusted with this authority.
We were made to represent God on earth (Genesis 1:26-28), to lead on His behalf.
As children of God, restored through Jesus, we also have this authority entrusted to us.
“He breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.'” (John 20:22-23)
In these verses, Jesus recommissions our Adam role (Genesis 2:7).
The fact is, God has forgiven the sins of the world, through Jesus’ sacrifice.
God does not hate us, God does not hold our sins against us, God is for us!
Our task is to announce this, to let people know the good news, to spread the word.
The healing of this man is a lesser work, a sign to support the main task.
God may choose to perform a sign through us – or not – but He always forgives through us.
If only we would realize Who Jesus is, and who He restores us to be.
Wonder of wonders, miracle of miracles, God has authorized me to represent Him.
Yes, I am forgiven… but that is not all.
Through Jesus I am restored, and like Him I can announce God’s mercy and grace!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, I praise You that You have given this authority to me. Help me to feel the weight and wonder of this responsibility, and use it for Your glory!