This is kind of ugly, but it’s true.

Mark 2:1-11 CSB
[1] When he entered Capernaum again after some days, it was reported that he was at home. [2] So many people gathered together that there was no more room, not even in the doorway, and he was speaking the word to them. [3] They came to him bringing a paralytic, carried by four of them. [4] Since they were not able to bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and after digging through it, they lowered the mat on which the paralytic was lying. [5] Seeing their faith, Jesus told the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” [6] But some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts: [7] “Why does he speak like this? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” [8] Right away Jesus perceived in his spirit that they were thinking like this within themselves and said to them, “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? [9] Which is easier: to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat, and walk’? [10] But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”  — he told the paralytic — [11] “I tell you: get up, take your mat, and go home.”

Maybe it’s a little out of sequence but this is on my heart.  Look at verses 9 thru 11.  The first  phrase got me.  

Which is easier?

Now think about this.

Luke 23:34 CSB
[34] Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided his clothes and cast lots.

I don’t think He was just talking to those around Him.  He was praying for us.

You tell me.  Which is easier?  Believing that Jesus is God, that He can forgive sins and accepting that forgiveness.

Or

Knowing that He loves you so much that He forgave you from the cross on which He hung to pay for your sin debt (ref Romans 3:23 and Romans 6:23).  Knowing that He Rose again after the 3rd day defeating Sin and death for you.  Understanding that your debt is paid that He took your place.  We earned that cross and He, Jesus, God, took it.

When I think about what it took to pay for my sin…

I cry.  My cross.  His pain with His Love.

In the verses from Mark.  The Scribes knew what His ability to forgive sin meant.  It meant that Jesus is God.  They simply wouldn’t believe.  Not couldn’t, wouldn’t.

We are no different. Please tell Jesus you accept Him today.  Ask Him for forgiveness.  Find a Bible and start reading.  Find other Christians.  Learn, Study, Love,  and occasionally Cry together.  The church is the people not the building.

Love in Christ,

Colby