In Luke 5:21 the Pharisees come up with a good question. It is actually formed in outrageous thoughts just before Jesus heals a paralised man. This man had come to Jesus, literally through the roof. Four friends had brought him to Jesus the hard way. As he lay there in the crowded room in front of Jesus, Jesus looked at him and said, "Friend your sins are forgiven". This caused quite a stir among the religious leaders. They began to think together, "This man is blasphemous!" In truth, it is not everyone who can forgive sins. This is why Jesus said shortly after reading their minds, "Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? Which is easier: to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk'? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins." So he said to the paralyzed man, "I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home." (Luke 5:22-24) Which is easier, to forgive sin, or to he...
These are devotional, and other, thoughts from a guy who lived in Brazil from 1997 to 2023. I recount personal experiences and Bible applications with most of my posts. These "posts" are mostly for me but if you want to, you can read them too!