A paralysed man and his friends trusted Jesus for healing (Matthew 9:1-3).  When Jesus saw their faith, He declared aloud that the man’s sins were forgiven.  That caused outrage in the hearts of the religious leaders and they muttered indignantly to each other.  In their minds, Jesus’ statement was blasphemy, because only God could forgive sins (Luke 5:21).  Even though they did not speak loudly, Jesus knew exactly what they were thinking and saying; and He condemned their thoughts as being 'evil'.

That may seem rather strong.  But by saying 'evil' – He aligned them with the Evil One (the Greek word used for ‘evil thoughts’ is a title, meaning 'The Evil').  Believing in His authority to forgive sins, is not simply a theological interpretation; it defines a person's relationship with God (Psalm 32:1).  That applied even to the respected clerics who said that Jesus was not God: they were not only wrong but had embraced evil.  Jesus said they were on the side of the devil, even though they did not realise it.

It is easy to say anything, but how will anybody know if it is true?  How would they know that Jesus really could forgive sins?  So, He set them a riddle.  Which is easier to say: 'Your sins are forgiven' or 'Get up and walk'?  They probably thought that commanding a paralysed man to walk, was harder.  So, Jesus instructed the man to walk ... and he walked all the way home carrying his bed roll.  That was an unmistakable demonstration of divine power and proved that Jesus had authority to forgive sins.  Whatever the religious teachers thought, the crowd got the message and praised God for Jesus.

The identity of Jesus is the key to eternal life (John 6:28-29), salvation (Acts 4:12) and peace with God (Romans 5:1).  The miracles were not just an expression of God's compassion, but divine identity. Jesus was God in a human body and He said that it is evil to deny that.  If He is not God then He could be ignored and faith in Him treated as a consumer option.  But because He is God then we are accountable to Him (John 5:26-27).  When Jesus reveals Himself through His Word, the witness of His people and by unmistakable signs, some will believe and praise God.  Explaining who Jesus is, and how He can cleanse them from every sin, is the most precious responsibility in the world.  If you know the message - pass it on!