What is Forgiveness?

From Matthew 9:1-8

Jesus heals a paralyzed man after forgiving his sins.

• This telling of Jesus healing a paralytic is a repeat from Mark 2 with subtle but significant differences that demonstrate Matthew's point that forgiveness takes precedence over healing, and that Jesus, as the Son of God, has the ability, authority, and desire to do both.

• We don't know what the man's sins are, 

whether he is righteous or far from it,
neither do we know the reason for his paralysis, 

whether he was born that way
or it somehow happened to him or he somehow caused it.

His sins could be “normal”
good news: Jesus is quick to forgive those that are brought to him!

His sins could be “great”
good news: Jesus is quick to forgive those that are brought to him!

Forgiveness >> healing

• What is forgiveness?
First, what is sin? Separation. Broken relationship.

Forgiveness is relationship. God's power over brokenness.

Forgiveness is NOT condoning, saying it's okay. 

Forgiveness is a step towards reconciliation and reparation of what is broken.

Broken plate / apology / still broken → God is healer

• God in Jesus is ABLE (has authority)
and God in Jesus is WILLING (hello, incarnation!)
and God goes to great lengths to forgive.

• Relationship is supremely important to God.

• Bring people to him.

• Prayer of Confession / Hymn 389 Freely, Freely