Luke 5:20–24
And when he saw their faith, he said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” And the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, saying, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” When Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answered them, “Why do you question in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? 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.”
If Only God Can Forgive Sins, Who Exactly Is Jesus?
This is one of the most revealing episodes in the life of Jesus that shows us who He really is. He doesn’t merely do something amazing, like healing a paralysed man. He does something eve more amazing and impossible for any human being to do.
He forgives sins.
Let’s look at how this moment leaves no doubt that Jesus is God.
1. Jesus Forgives Sins—A Divine Prerogative
When the paralyzed man is lowered through the roof, everyone expects Jesus to heal him. But Jesus says something shocking instead:
“Man, your sins are forgiven.”
This is not a prophet declaring forgiveness on God’s behalf. This is Jesus Himself granting forgiveness as if the sin were against Him.
This is bold. This is radical. This is divine. No prophet can forgive sins. And the religious leaders understood it.
2. The Pharisees Were Right
“Who can forgive sins but God alone?” (v.21)
Exactly.
Only the one who has been wronged can offer true forgiveness. If someone punches your friend, you can’t say, “I forgive you, ” to the perpetrator.” Only your friend can do that. Every sin is against God and only God can forgive sins.
So when Jesus forgives this man’s sins, He’s implying something enormous:
All sin is ultimately against Him.
Which means Jesus is either committing blasphemy…
Or He is God.
There’s no middle ground.
3. Jesus Proves His Authority by Healing
Jesus knows they’re questioning Him. So He challenges them:
“Which is easier to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Rise and walk’?”
Forgiving sins can’t be seen. Even a conman can claim to forgive sins. A false prophet can easily deceive people. But healing a paralytic? That’s immediate, visible, undeniable. A conman or a false prophet cannot do that.
God can do miracles in the invisible realm like forgiving sins and He can do miracles in the visible realm i physical healings. So Jesus proves to the Pharisees and everyone that He has the authority to forgive sins (invisible realm) by healing the paralysed man (visible realm). Essentially, He backed up His claim to forgive sins by demonstrating His power to heal for everyone to see.
“But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins…”
“…he said to the paralyzed man, ‘I say to you, rise, pick up your bed and go home.’”
Jesus has the power and authority to forgive all sins on earth.
4. Jesus Doesn’t Deny Their Accusation—He Fulfills It
Jesus doesn’t deny that only God can forgive sins.
He doesn’t say, “Wait, I’m just a messenger.”
What He’s saying is this:
“Yes—only God can forgive sins. That’s why I just did it.”
This is not hidden. It’s not symbolic. It’s open, public, and deliberate.
Jesus is claiming what belongs to God alone—and proving it.
Conclusion: The God Who Forgives You
In a single moment, Jesus forgives a sinner, reads minds, heals a paralyzed man, and declares His divine authority.
The religious leaders are scandalized. But the crowds are amazed.
And we are left with one inescapable conclusion:
Jesus is not merely a man sent by God—He is God who has come to man.
Only God can forgive sins.
Jesus forgave sins.
Therefore, Jesus is God.
So the next time guilt weighs you down, don’t look for rituals, religion, or a fresh start. Look to the One who says, “Your sins are forgiven.”
He’s not just a teacher.
He’s not just a prophet.
He’s the God who heals bodies—and souls.