The scripture is from Luke 5:17 to 26. I will read it. Scripture: "And the scribes and the Pharisees were sitting there, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was present to heal them. Then behold, men brought on a bed a man who was paralyzed, whom they sought to bring in and lay before Him. But when they could not find how they might bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the housetop and let him down with his bed through the tiling into the midst before Jesus. When He saw their faith, He said to him, 'Man, your sins are forgiven you.' And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, 'Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?' But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, He answered and said to them, 'Why are you reasoning in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, "Your sins are forgiven you," or to say, "Rise up and walk"? But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins,' He said to the man who was paralyzed, 'I say to you, arise, take up your bed and go to your house.' Immediately he rose up before them, took up what he had been lying on, and went to his own house, glorifying God. And they were all amazed, and they glorified God and were filled with fear, saying, 'We have seen strange things today.' Amen."
Last week, we shared about Jesus healing a leper. At that time, lepers were the most marginalized people in society. They could not approach others and were far removed from communal life and worship. However, Jesus did not avoid him. Instead, He approached him, reached out His hand, and said, "I am willing; be cleansed." Today's passage is also a healing event, where Jesus heals a paralyzed man. This event is recorded in all three Gospels: Matthew, Mark, and Luke, indicating its significance to the Gospel writers.
Today's passage does not simply end with the healing of a sick person. It first shows a paralyzed man being brought to Jesus by others. However, when Jesus sees him, He unexpectedly declares, "Man, your sins are forgiven you." People likely expected a healing. Yet, Jesus first speaks of forgiveness of sins. This statement transcends the mere act of healing someone and reveals who Jesus truly is. Through today's message, as we deeply meditate on the individual placed before Jesus and the one who forgives his sins, may we reflect once again on what is most important in our lives, in the name of the Lord.
We Must Be Placed Before Jesus
First, we must realize that we are people who need to be placed before Jesus. We must remember that we should bring our problems to Jesus and lay them before Him. Today's passage begins with the image of a paralyzed man. People carry him on a bed to Jesus, and if we look at the Gospel of Mark, we see that four strong men carry the bed to Jesus. However, a problem arises. The issue is that there are so many people gathered that there is no way to get to Jesus. Yet, they do not give up. They go up onto the roof. They remove the tiles and lower the paralyzed man down on his bed into the midst of the crowd before Jesus. Verse 19 describes this process in detail: "When they could not find how they might bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the housetop and let him down with his bed through the tiling into the midst before Jesus." Here, we can see how desperate these people were and how much they loved this paralyzed man.
At that time, houses in Palestine generally had flat roofs. Thus, people could go up, and the stairs leading to the roof were often located outside the house. Imagine the difficulty of carrying a paralyzed man up the stairs. If the bed shakes even a little, what would happen? It could fall. The man cannot move his body at all. If he falls, it could be very dangerous. So even if others are helping him, this task is not easy at all.
My parents live in a single-story house, and the structure is somewhat similar to what is described in this passage. There is a flat space on the roof where my father built a greenhouse. He brought soil up to the second floor and created a greenhouse where he grew grapevines and various vegetables. The way up to that space is also an external staircase, which is narrow and steep. Just going up is difficult. I remember when my sons, Seong-su and Seong-gyeol, were young and would visit my father, they would always be told to be careful because it was steep, not to run, and to watch their steps when coming down. Because the path is narrow, it is especially hard to carry things like pots up there, so my father even made a pulley system to lift items. As I prepared this message, I recalled those times. Climbing a steep staircase while trying to protect oneself is hard enough, but in today's passage, we see that they carry a paralyzed man up to the roof. They maintain that precarious situation, but then another problem arises. After going up, what do they need to do? They have to remove the tiles. The roofs at that time were made of reeds, wood, mud, and clay. It could be removed, unlike today’s cement roofs. However, was that process easy? It likely was not. And there were people below. If they were to tear it apart and something fell, what would happen? The people below would get hurt. So, the process of tearing it down was not easy and certainly not a light matter. Moreover, whose house was it? It was not their house; it was someone else's house. They went up to someone else's house, tore off the roof, and lowered the man on his bed before Jesus. Can you imagine that? It was certainly not a common process. Yet, what was the reason they did this? The purpose was singular: to bring the man before Jesus. It is stated in today's passage: "they let him down before Jesus." They believed this: we cannot do it, but Jesus can. We cannot heal him, but Jesus can heal him. We cannot solve the problem, but if we can just bring this man to Jesus, then Jesus will take care of it. What we need is ultimately to place this patient before Jesus. This was their faith.
Beloved congregation, like this paralyzed man, we too are people who need to be placed before Jesus. We cannot solve everything by our own strength and cannot bear everything by our own ability, so we must come before Jesus. At the same time, this scene asks our community: do we have the love that does not give up on the weak members and desires to bring them to Jesus, despite numerous inconveniences and difficulties? Do we have the persistent love that seeks to present those souls before our Lord? Furthermore, do we have the earnestness to lead those who do not yet know the Gospel to Jesus? This passage asks you and me these questions. We cannot save people, nor can we forgive sins. We cannot solve all their problems, nor can we bear all their pains. However, there is something we can do. The most precious service we can offer is to bring those who are struggling, our fellow members, to Jesus without giving up on them. We must bring them to stand before Jesus, praying for them and moving into the place of prayer. I urge you, in the name of the Lord, to be a community that serves our members with this heart. Amen. I also ask that we carry out our summer mission work with this heart. After today's service, there will be a sending ceremony for our Nammin mission. As you saw in the announcements, there will be ongoing mission activities throughout the summer. My earnest desire is that this mission is not just a simple event, nor a recurring event every summer, but a gathering where we pray and prepare with a heartfelt desire to bring souls to Jesus. Please pray that these things may happen. I ask you once again to pray for this. Amen. Thank you.
mindmap
root(("Jesus has the authority to forgive sins."))
("Those who must come before Jesus")
("Luke 5:19")
("Jesus addressing the issue of sin")
("Luke 5:20")
("The authority of Jesus")
("Luke 5:24")Jesus Addresses the Issue of Sin
Now, when the people laid the paralyzed man before Jesus, He first spoke an unexpected word. That word was, "Man, your sins are forgiven you." This is what Jesus said: "Your sins are forgiven." The people expected that when they came before Jesus, He would heal the man. However, Jesus addresses a deeper and more important issue before the man's sickness: the issue of sin. This is the second topic we will share together today.
As we have seen, the paralyzed man was someone who could not come to Jesus by his own strength; he could not come unless someone brought him. In this sense, the paralyzed man symbolizes our human powerlessness. Last week, we looked at the leper, who was pushed to the margins of society, showing the love of Jesus toward him. Today’s paralyzed man shows the powerlessness of humanity, unable to rise on his own. He illustrates the spiritual helplessness of humanity, unable to stand before God due to sin and unable to approach God by their own strength. The greatest misery of humanity is not merely physical weakness, pain, or suffering. Being sick is indeed very difficult and miserable. Failing in life is also painful. Broken relationships are very hurtful. However, the Bible teaches that the greatest misery of humanity lies deeper than that. It is the fact that we are sinners before God. It is the fact that we are separated from God. Sin always blocks our relationship with God. Therefore, we cannot approach God through our strength, merit, or effort. Sin does not merely refer to a few wrong actions that we commit, actions that must be controlled by law. Sin refers to the state of humanity that has turned away from God. The desire to live without God, or the belief that one can live without God, is sin. Therefore, what humanity needs most urgently is the restoration of the relationship with God, the resolution of the sin issue that exists between God and us. This is why Jesus first declares forgiveness of sins to the paralyzed man: "Your sins are forgiven." He intentionally speaks this to help you and me realize this truth.
Jesus does not speak of forgiveness as a possibility, saying that one day he will be forgiven. He does not say, "If I try harder, I can be forgiven. I must qualify first to be accepted by God." Jesus first proclaims and declares. How? He proclaims, "Your sins are forgiven." This is grace. This is the grace of God that you and I receive at once. Looking more closely at the text, it says that the sins are forgiven. This statement is in the passive voice. It indicates that God is the one who forgives sins. Forgiveness of sins cannot be produced by oneself. Living a good life does not erase one’s sins. It cannot be obtained through one’s efforts or merits. When we come before God, forgiveness is granted to us by God’s sovereign grace. Do you believe this? Amen. Furthermore, this statement is in the perfect tense. This means that it is not that one can be forgiven someday, but that at that very moment, the person’s sins are declared forgiven. The forgiveness that Jesus declares is true, complete, and perfect. Those who are forgiven in Jesus are no longer under the condemnation of sin. Therefore, Romans 8:1 says, "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus." The forgiveness given in Jesus does not leave us under condemnation. When Jesus forgives, that forgiveness is absolute and complete. Forgiveness is not merely a comfort for our hearts; it is an event that changes our status from sinner to righteous before God.
Beloved congregation, we come to Jesus with the problems of life. I believe that each of you has come here today with the burdens of life. Some may have come with physical weaknesses, and others with issues concerning their children. There are surely those who come with relational pain, financial difficulties, anxiety about the future, and other burdens that cannot be expressed to anyone. I look at the reports that come from each group every week. Our church has 40 groups, and I think about how many life struggles and pains there must be in each group. Every time I see them, I realize, "Ah, there are such pains, and I was unaware of these things." There are countless situations that we cannot endure without God’s grace and mercy. Jesus says, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." I earnestly desire that our congregation comes before the Lord and finds rest for their weary souls every time they come before Him. I also urge you to share your lives within your groups, rejoicing together in joyful times and weeping and comforting each other in difficult times, building a true spiritual community on this earth. And I hope that you do not stop there but earnestly seek to go deeper into the place of grace. Instead of stopping at "Lord, change my situation," may you pray, "Lord, help me see You even in this situation. Let me see You as greater than the world and my circumstances. Lord, help me stand before You so that I can see the deepest issues of my soul. Lord, forgive my sins and lead me to stand before You again." May true restoration and grace overflow to you, your groups, and all our congregation as you come before the Lord. In the name of the Lord, I bless you. Amen.
The Authority of Jesus
However, it is precisely because of this statement, "Your sins are forgiven," that tension arises in this passage. When Jesus says, "Your sins are forgiven," the scribes and Pharisees present begin to reason in their hearts. "Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?" Their statement is not incorrect. It is true because only God can forgive sins. Therefore, the passage leads us to a deeper question: Who is this Jesus who proclaims forgiveness of sins? Does He truly have the authority to forgive sins on earth? If so, how should we stand before Him? This brings us to the third topic. Now, Jesus performs a visible healing, healing the paralyzed man. Through this healing, He demonstrates His invisible authority to forgive sins.
Jesus knew the thoughts of the scribes and Pharisees. Although they were reasoning in their hearts, Jesus was aware of it all. So, He asks them in verse 23, "Which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven you,' or to say, 'Rise up and walk'?" Here, Jesus is not simply asking which is easier in a practical sense. Both are impossible for a human to accomplish. Can a person forgive sins? That is beyond human authority. And can a person instantly heal a paralyzed man? That is also a miracle, beyond human ability. Both are impossible without God’s authority and power. However, from the perspective of an observer, what seems easier to say? Let me ask you, what is easier? Is it easier to say, "Your sins are forgiven"? Or is it easier to say, "Get up and walk"? One is 1, and the other is 2. Which is easier? Please respond again. What is easier? Yes, it seems that 1 is easier. Why? Because if I tell the person to "get up," and they cannot, I become a liar. A pastor cannot be a liar, right? Therefore, it is naturally easier to say, "Your sins are forgiven." But at this point, Jesus says in verse 24, "But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins." This means, "Do you consider my declaration of forgiveness to be empty words? Do you not believe it just because it is invisible? If so, I will perform a visible act before your eyes. I will raise this paralyzed man, showing you that I have the authority to forgive sins." Then He immediately says, "I say to you, arise, take up your bed and go to your house." This is Jesus' command. Here, Jesus gives three commands: first, "Arise." Second, "Take up your bed." Third, "Go to your house." These commands are not mere words. If the man truly rises, it becomes evidence that his body has been completely healed. If his body is healed, then the earlier declaration of forgiveness is not empty, is it? It is not empty. And what happened? Let’s look at verse 25: "Immediately he rose up before them, took up what he had been lying on, and went to his own house, glorifying God." Amen? The man got up. He took his bed. He went home glorifying God. The man who had been carried by others is now carrying his own bed. The one who could not move is now glorifying God as he walks home. And this healing was witnessed by everyone. It was a fact that no one could deny. Therefore, this event poses a question to those present: Who is this Jesus before us? Who is this Jesus? If only God can forgive sins, then who is this Jesus standing before us? Is Jesus truly a blasphemer? Or is He indeed the one sent by God? Is Jesus merely one of the capable teachers who can heal the sick, or is He the Son of the living God who has the authority to forgive sins as well as heal the sick? This event forces those present to narrow their choices. They cannot simply regard Jesus as a good teacher. They cannot merely see Him as someone who heals diseases and solves their problems. Why? Because Jesus Himself said, "I have come to show you that I have the authority to forgive sins." Jesus did not hide who He is. He clearly proclaimed that He possesses the authority to forgive sins, which only God has. Thus, in verse 26, we see the people's reaction: "And they were all amazed, and they glorified God and were filled with fear, saying, 'We have seen strange things today.'" The people were amazed. They glorified God. And they were afraid. Why were they afraid? If the man had merely been healed, they would have been amazed. But they were afraid because they saw what God had done through Jesus. They recognized who Jesus is, the one who has the authority to forgive sins. Therefore, beloved congregation, we cannot remain neutral in light of this message. We cannot simply regard Jesus as a good teacher. We cannot merely see Him as someone who heals and solves problems. Why? Because Jesus Himself said, "I am the Son of Man who has the authority to forgive sins. I will forgive all your sins." This passage challenges you and me. If Jesus is the Son of God who has the authority to forgive sins, and if we believe this, we must respond in faith before Him. We must come before Jesus not only with our problems but also with our sins. We should not only ask Him to change our circumstances but also lay down our sin issues, praying, "Lord, my sins have kept me from coming close to You. Please forgive my sins." We must approach Him with a desire for restoration because Jesus is the Son of God who has the authority to forgive sins. He is the living God who restores and leads all who come to Him to salvation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, today’s passage shows us who Jesus is. Jesus healed the sick, but He also reveals the true purpose of His coming to this earth. That purpose is that Jesus is the one who has the authority to forgive sins, and through the cross, He resolves our sin issues and restores us to God. Therefore, beloved congregation, I earnestly urge you to come before Jesus, who forgives sins. Bring not only your problems but also your sins, your weaknesses, and all your frailties before Jesus, and may you experience true forgiveness and restoration in His grace. May you and I, who believe in this Jesus as our Savior and live in the grace of forgiveness, be blessed in the name of the Lord. Amen.
Let us pray. God, the most unresolved issue in our lives is the issue of our sins, and we thank You that Jesus came to this earth to resolve this sin issue. At this time, we want to make a commitment through Your word. We want to choose to come before You. We want to believe in You as our Savior, the one who forgives all our sins, and we ask that You grant grace to all who come before You. Thank You, and I pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
Now, it is time for our Nammin mission sending ceremony. Could we all come forward? Yes. The Nammin mission will take place every Tuesday for five weeks from July 7 to August 4. You will see the prayer topics on the screen. I would like us to pray together with these prayer topics. I will share three prayer requests with you. First, please pray that the gospel may flow to the children of Nammin and the city through the Nammin VBS taking place from July 7 to August 4. As we shared earlier, the most precious thing we can give is the gospel. Please pray that the gospel may flow. Second, pray that all team members may serve the children with love and wisdom, truly embracing their souls with a loving heart. Lastly, pray for the safety of the Nammin children and all team members, that this entire process may be carried out in peace and protection. Let us all raise our voices and pray together. Let us pray.
Heavenly Father, at this time, we pray before You. Lord, You have entrusted us with souls. You have commanded us to love others as You have loved us. Lord, our Nammin friends are people who have left their homeland due to unavoidable circumstances. They are people who have been separated from their families. What can we give to those who are wounded, suffering, and struggling? The only thing we can give is Your love. The only thing we can give is Your grace. The love of our Lord Jesus Christ, the grace of Jesus. Father, may our Nammin mission team go forth with that heart. May they go forth with a heart of love. Lord, may this not just be a recurring event every summer, but through our love and our gospel proclamation, may Jesus Christ, the love of Jesus, and the grace of Jesus be planted in their hearts. Lead us in this way, Lord. Please guide us. As we prepare and go forth, may You first give our team a heart of love. Give us the heart of Jesus. Give us the heart of our Heavenly Father. As we go forth with that heart, may a wonderful work of salvation and a history of meeting Jesus occur. Lord, I earnestly pray. We have many mission works this summer, but I first pray for the Nammin mission. The Nammin friends are not just our friends; they are people who have left their homeland due to unavoidable circumstances. They are people who have been separated from their families. We cannot do anything for their hearts and pains, but we believe that the most precious thing for them is Jesus. We believe that what they need most is the grace and love of Jesus Christ. Lord, as we go forth with the gospel, may this not just be a summer event, but may we go forth with a heartfelt desire for those souls to meet Jesus and embrace Him in their hearts. May those who cannot go physically be able to pray earnestly, and as they pray and go forth, may their steps never be in vain. Thank You, and I pray in Jesus' name.
Let us all stand and sing the sending song. Let us raise our hands and praise together. May God make springs of water flow in my dry land through you, and may He give to the poor and thirsty souls through you. Let us sing once more. Let us praise together with all our hearts. May God make springs of water flow in my dry land through you, and may He give to the poor and thirsty souls through you.
Now may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with the people who have decided to believe and follow Jesus Christ, who came to this earth to resolve our sin issues, and upon our Nammin mission team, who earnestly desire to proclaim Jesus Christ, from now until forever. Amen. The glory of the Lord forever. Hallelujah! Praise the Son, and Amen.