Luke 5:17-26
Religious leaders came to see the ministry of Jesus. In today’s church world, we would be very
accommodating to these dignitaries. His teaching was interrupted by four men lowering a paralytic
through the roof they just tore up. Jesus was not disturbed but enthused by their persistence reflecting
faith in action. intentionally, He said something designed to stir controversy: “Seeing their faith, ‘Friend,
your sins are forgiven you.’” (20). This man who is a sinner, Jesus calls His FRIEND and forgives him.
These leaders perceived this as blasphemy, but Jesus addressed their mind set by saying He would
heal the man to show them: “…that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins,-…” (24b).
Yes, Jesus is a friend of sinners!