Which is Easier to Say?

This meditation is based on a passage for May 13, 2011 in the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Luke 5:12-26

Reflection and Question: When the experts question Jesus about his mercy to a sick man, asking, “Who can forgive sin but God alone?” Jesus responds with a question back to them: “Which is easier to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and walk’?” Jesus proceeds to heal the man as He explains that this will show that He has authority to forgive sin. Healing or forgiveness, forgiveness or healing — perhaps Jesus’ point is that these are so connected that they are really one and the same for Him. How do you answer Jesus’ question of which is easier: healing or forgiveness?

Prayer: Beloved Jesus, Healer and Priest, fill us with awe at Your healing of sickness and forgiving of sin. Relieve our minds of a need to understand. Amaze us by things that are strange to us and thus strengthen our faith in Your loving power. Amen.