When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.”
Luke 5:20
These are undoubtedly the finest words a person could ever hear. They come packaged in a relatively simple phrase and yet they hold an enormous amount of meaning. First, to be called “friend” by the Almighty should not be tossed about or overlooked. We, ourselves, only label those closest and dearest to us as “friend”. So it seems surprising, if you read the entire passage, that Jesus would use such a term of endearment on a man it appears He didn’t even know.
But Jesus did know him. He knew this man long before he was ever born. (Call it a divine privilege.) He knew him well and He loved him dearly! The same applies to you and me. And after He calls the man “friend”, He goes on to bestow the on him the greatest act of mercy – the forgiving of his sins. Jesus wasn’t just healing the man’s infirmity; He was giving the man life – eternal life. By dying on the cross, Jesus spoke those same words to you and me. We are His friends and we are forgiven.
Encouragement for the week: Never forget that by our faith we have been forgiven by the one who calls us friend. Look forward to the day when you will hear the second best phrase ever spoken: "Well done good and faithful servant."
No comments:
Post a Comment