Luke 5:12-26
Q.1. What did the healing of the leper reveal about Jesus? Did Jesus pursue a healing ministry? – (Lk.5:12-16)
Upon seeing Jesus, the man begged for healing. He was – covered with leprosy … and fell on his face before Jesus and implored Him … Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean (Lk.5:12). In spite of doubtlessly being marginalized, this man believed that Jesus could heal him of leprosy. Jesus not only healed him … but touched him (Lk.5:13). For years, this man would not have been touched by anyone, apart from other lepers. The incident revealed that Jesus was not a reckless lawbreaker. He knew what the Scriptures required and ensured that this was obeyed by the leper (Lk.5:14 c.f. Lev.14:1-10). News of the miracle drew many more people who were seeking healing. – But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray (Lk.5:16). Jesus was determined to be led by the Father, and to fulfill His greater calling – for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost (c.f. Lk.19:10).
Q.2. Why did Jesus forgive the healed paralytic? How did the Scribes and Pharisees respond to the claim of Jesus? – (Lk.5:17-26)
Luke stated that – the power of the Lord was present for Him to perform healing (Lk.5:17). This was no casual comment. It was meant to highlight the significance of the incident. Jesus was teaching at the time when the paralysed man was lowered through the roof in front of Him (Lk.5:17-19). Jesus, impressed by the faith of the man’s friends, could have simply healed him, but chose the controversial words – Friend, your sins are forgiven you (Lk.5:20). The Scribes and Pharisees clearly understood the significance of this claim. They were outraged by what they considered to be blasphemy (Lk.5:21). Jesus’ offer of forgiveness would have appeared baseless unless He could prove it. Anyone could claim to forgive sins. However, a claim to be able to heal would be seen as fraudulent, unless the person actually healed someone. Jesus responded – But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins – He said to the paralytic – I say to you, get up, and pick up your stretcher and go home (Lk.5:24). The man was instantly healed, and straight away gave glory to God, as did all the people, except for the Scribes and Pharisees (Lk.5:25-26). Jesus showed to the Scribes and Pharisees that He indeed was God in the flesh. His power to heal the paralysed man confirmed His claim that He had the power to forgive sins.