Criticism of the scribes

Now, there were some scribes sitting amongst the crowd. They questioned in their hearts, “Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins except God alone?” The scribes were there not to learn from Jesus, rather to find a reason to criticize Him. Despite their knowledge, they lacked love and compassion. The Bible teaches that knowledge makes one conceited. Let us learn to be humble while seeking knowledge.

Jesus’ response

Gradually, it becomes clear that Jesus is the Son of God and the Messiah. (1) Jesus knew their hearts. He looked through their hearts and knew the reason behind their criticism. (2) He asked them which was easier: to forgive sins or to heal the sick. For Jesus, healing the sick was the easier task. But for the scribes, physical healing was more challenging, as it was followed by immediate visible results. Therefore, Jesus deliberately chose what the scribes deemed difficult and declared healing. He said, “Get up, pick up your pallet, and go home.” Immediately, the man stood up, took the pallet he had been lying on, and began to walk. The sight of the once crippled man walking is a sign that salvation has come (ref. Isa. 35:6, Jer. 31:8). Those who witnessed this healing were astonished and praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!” Up to this point, the true nature of Jesus has become increasingly evident. He cast out demons, healed fevers, proclaimed forgiveness of sins, and as its, He enabled the paralyzed to walk. He is indeed the promised Messiah the Old Testament had prophesized. Let’s decide again today, to go into the world with the living Christ, who continues to do His will.