“Man, Your Sins Are Forgiven You” | Luke 5:17-26

Luke 5:17-26 (ESV)

On one of those days, as he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with him to heal. 18 And behold, some men were bringing on a bed a man who was paralyzed, and they were seeking to bring him in and lay him before Jesus, 19 but finding no way to bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the midst before Jesus. 20 And when he saw their faith, he said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” 21 And the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, saying, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 22 When Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answered them, “Why do you question in your hearts? 23 Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? 24 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the man who was paralyzed—“I say to you, rise, pick up your bed and go home.” 25 And immediately he rose up before them and picked up what he had been lying on and went home, glorifying God. 26 And amazement seized them all, and they glorified God and were filled with awe, saying, “We have seen extraordinary things today.”

Luke 5:20 ESV And when he saw their faith, he said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.”

God is always more interested in the eternal healing of your soul than in the temporary healing of your body.

Luke 5:24 ESV that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the man who was paralyzed—“I say to you, rise, pick up your bed and go home.”

Encountering the holiness of Jesus reveals our sinfulness and our need for repentance.

Luke 5:26 ESV

And amazement seized them all, and they glorified God and were filled with awe, saying, “We have seen extraordinary things today.”

Jesus has the authority to heal AND to forgive…In Him Holy God restores those who were separated from Him into right relationship with Him

COMMUNITY GROUP QUESTIONS

1) Understanding Holiness: Reflect on the sermon’s depiction of Jesus’ holiness as both a powerful and approachable aspect of God. How does this understanding of holiness challenge or comfort you in your personal faith journey?

2) Scriptural Reflection: The sermon focused on Luke 5:17-26, where Jesus heals a paralyzed man. How does this passage illustrate the connection between faith, forgiveness, and healing? How do you see these elements at work in your own life?

3) Faith in Action: The friends of the paralyzed man showed great determination and faith by bringing him to Jesus. What does this story teach us about the importance of community and support in our spiritual lives?

4) Personal Application: Chad Merrell emphasized the concept of holiness as an invitation rather than a separation. How can this perspective change the way you approach your relationship with God and others?

5) Community Impact: How can we, as a church community, embody the kind of faith and action demonstrated by the friends in the story? What are some practical ways we can support each other and those in need around us?