Study 5 - Forgiveness for those who need it
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The crowds still come to see spectacular miracles but again Jesus preaches to them. But suddenly there is an interruption.
Amazing faith
What amazing trust (faith) these men had, to almost comically drag this poor man up to the roof, rip off the tiles and then lower him down in front of the crowd. But Jesus does not rebuke them for their vandalism. He looks into their hearts and sees that they trust Him and care for their friend. How sad that when He looks into the hearts of those who are 'religious' He sees only bitterness and hypocrisy.
We have seen that Jesus is no ordinary man but it is now that we see in a greater way who He really is. He has shown that He has authority over sickness and Satan, but now we see that He is the
"Son of man...who was given authority, glory and sovereign power: all peoples, nations and men of every language worshipped Him. His domain is an everlasting domain that will never pass away and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.” (Daniel 7:14).
Amazing forgiveness
This God-man has power to help us with our greatest need - the forgiveness of our sin (our disobedient behaviour which God has to punish). What an amazing truth that God became a man so that instead of having to punish our sin Jesus has made forgiveness available. We will explain more of this as the gospel unfolds. As soon as Jesus said the word - the man got up and walked.
Despite the fact that Jesus could have chosen anyone to be His disciple He chooses a tax-collector (verse 14). The ordinary people despised tax-collectors because they exploited them, taking their money and giving it to their enemies, the Romans. Others were shocked but Jesus was not ashamed to be seen with the worst of people. He explains that He is not interested in those who consider themselves righteous (perfect) in God's eyes. Only those who know they are sinners (dirty in God's eyes) can become Christians if they turn from their sin to Jesus.
Romans 3:10 says "There is no-one righteous not even one". Are we willing to admit we have disobeyed God and need a saviour? There is no one who is too bad to trust Christ and go to heaven. But there are many people who think they are too good.
Time to think
- Have you ever done anything wrong?
- How come Jesus can forgive sin?
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