Broken Rules or Broken People

February 18

(Luke 5:20-26 NIV) “When Jesus saw their faith, he said, "Friend, your sins are forgiven." {21} The Pharisees and the teachers of the law began thinking to themselves, "Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?" {22} Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, "Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? {23} Which is easier: to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk'? {24} But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins. . . ." He said to the paralyzed man, "I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home." {25} Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God. {26} Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, "We have seen remarkable things today.””

(Mark 11:15-18 NIV)  "On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple area and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, {16} and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. {17} And as he taught them, he said, "Is it not written: "'My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations' ? But you have made it 'a den of robbers.'" {18} The chief priests and the teachers of the law heard this and began looking for a way to kill him, for they feared him, because the whole crowd was amazed at his teaching."

The Pharisees were the fundamentalists of their day. They loved rules and had all the answers. Jesus made their enemies list when He forgave the paralytic’s sins. Only God can forgive sin. Knowing their hearts, Jesus upped the ante by healing both the man’s body and soul. Christ does not need our permission to declare a man forgiven. In fact, our opinion is irrelevant. From where we sit, some look as guilty as sin. Then Jesus comes to us and says: "Excuse me, but you’re sitting in my seat.” We must then get up, step down, and join those we’ve been declaring deficient. The Pharisees weren’t about to do that. They had become way too comfortable with sitting in the judgment seat. Maybe you have too. Any Christian or church can catch the Pharisee virus. Repent and seek healing. God forbid we live our lives being more concerned about broken rules than about broken people. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day