A Week of Reflection on Luke 5:17-25
Last week, we had a little surprise. We discovered that the compassion Jesus showed through the miraculous healing of the leper – was about all of us. This week, we’ll dive into another powerful story—this time we discover His authority to forgive sins. Each day, we’ll reflect on a key aspect of this story, paired with an Old Testament passage to deepen our understanding.
If you are new here – read the scripture first – then come back to the blog for my take and a little nudging for you.
If you are new here – read the scripture first – then come back to the blog for my take and a little nudging for you.
Day 1: The Crowded Room
Key Scripture: Luke 5:17
Parallel OT Scripture: Psalm 27:4
When I read this story my brain takes me waaaaay back to when I was baptized. The first thing the church did was get me involved in “Prayer and Share” on Monday nights. The living room was packed with people. New members, old timers, a Deacon, the homeowner. It was packed. It was also noisy and there was always the wonderful smell of food. What I didn’t see was Jesus.
But then I was too new in my faith to realize that Jesus was there. While too many in the room were focused on the gabbing (and food) — those who knew Him saw Him. Fellowship in Jesus is Worship of Christ.
Devotional Thought: Reflect on your focus amid life’s busyness. Do you find yourself distracted by the “crowds” in your life? How can you center your heart on Jesus, as the psalmist says in Psalm 27:4: “One thing I ask from the Lord… that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life”? That house is your Clay Jar.
Key Scripture: Luke 5:17
Parallel OT Scripture: Psalm 27:4
When I read this story my brain takes me waaaaay back to when I was baptized. The first thing the church did was get me involved in “Prayer and Share” on Monday nights. The living room was packed with people. New members, old timers, a Deacon, the homeowner. It was packed. It was also noisy and there was always the wonderful smell of food. What I didn’t see was Jesus.
But then I was too new in my faith to realize that Jesus was there. While too many in the room were focused on the gabbing (and food) — those who knew Him saw Him. Fellowship in Jesus is Worship of Christ.
Devotional Thought: Reflect on your focus amid life’s busyness. Do you find yourself distracted by the “crowds” in your life? How can you center your heart on Jesus, as the psalmist says in Psalm 27:4: “One thing I ask from the Lord… that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life”? That house is your Clay Jar.
Day 2: Faith That Overcomes Obstacles
Key Scripture: Luke 5:18-19
Parallel OT Scripture: Jeremiah 29:13
The paralyzed man’s friends were determined to get him to Jesus. I remember running with friends like that. If we wanted to do something we made it happen. It would not have been beyond us to be like the paralyzed man’s friends who; climb onto a roof (we did), breaking through it (we didn’t), and lowering their friend down (we jumped off for some reason). Their actions demonstrated a faith (we were just dumb). Thankfully, his friends had a faith that sought to praise Jesus at all costs. I’m now wondering how many of my friends are still alive. See the difference – you can live in the world and make dumb decisions – or you can live in faith and save the world.
Devotional Thought: Have you ever let any obstacles of the world keep you from bringing your needs—or the needs of others—to Jesus. Are you willing to push past those barriers? Remember the promise of Jeremiah 29:13: “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
Key Scripture: Luke 5:18-19
Parallel OT Scripture: Jeremiah 29:13
The paralyzed man’s friends were determined to get him to Jesus. I remember running with friends like that. If we wanted to do something we made it happen. It would not have been beyond us to be like the paralyzed man’s friends who; climb onto a roof (we did), breaking through it (we didn’t), and lowering their friend down (we jumped off for some reason). Their actions demonstrated a faith (we were just dumb). Thankfully, his friends had a faith that sought to praise Jesus at all costs. I’m now wondering how many of my friends are still alive. See the difference – you can live in the world and make dumb decisions – or you can live in faith and save the world.
Devotional Thought: Have you ever let any obstacles of the world keep you from bringing your needs—or the needs of others—to Jesus. Are you willing to push past those barriers? Remember the promise of Jeremiah 29:13: “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
Day 3: Jesus Sees Their Faith
Key Scripture: Luke 5:20
Parallel OT Scripture: Isaiah 43:25
This is a verse I am quite fond of. Jesus doesn’t always give us what we want – He gives us what we need. When Jesus sees the paralyzed man being lowered, He doesn’t immediately address his physical need. Instead, He says, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.” Why? Because Jesus sees their collective faith – their confidence in what Jesus can do and their trust in Him.
Devotional Thought: Jesus addresses the man’s deepest need first: the need for forgiveness. Sit on that thought for a minute! How often do we come to Jesus with our outward problems while neglecting the spiritual healing we truly need?
Key Scripture: Luke 5:20
Parallel OT Scripture: Isaiah 43:25
This is a verse I am quite fond of. Jesus doesn’t always give us what we want – He gives us what we need. When Jesus sees the paralyzed man being lowered, He doesn’t immediately address his physical need. Instead, He says, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.” Why? Because Jesus sees their collective faith – their confidence in what Jesus can do and their trust in Him.
Devotional Thought: Jesus addresses the man’s deepest need first: the need for forgiveness. Sit on that thought for a minute! How often do we come to Jesus with our outward problems while neglecting the spiritual healing we truly need?
Day 4: The Authority of Jesus to Forgive
Key Scripture: Luke 5:21-24
Parallel OT Scripture: Psalm 103:2-3
The religious leaders are scandalized. WHAAAT??? They ask - “Who can forgive sins but God alone?” Knowing their thoughts, He performs a miracle to prove His authority. “Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’?” Poof, He heals the man!
But wait, wait, wait - that’s not the point of the story is it. We get to see a Jesus superpower. Jesus knows all our thoughts!
Think about it – they pharisees were so busy thinking “who can forgive sins” that they didn’t see the miracle of God! Jesus tried to extend their understanding of scripture (word) but they were to blind to see the obvious.
Devotional Thought: What are you thinking right now that you really wish Jesus hadn’t heard? Are there areas in your life where you doubt? For some, it’s His ability to forgive?
Meditate on Psalm 103:2-3: “Praise the Lord, oh my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases.”
Side note – if you read this at the right speed you likely have either a hymn in your head or a praise song brewing…. (My Easter Egg to you). Precious His holy name!
Key Scripture: Luke 5:21-24
Parallel OT Scripture: Psalm 103:2-3
The religious leaders are scandalized. WHAAAT??? They ask - “Who can forgive sins but God alone?” Knowing their thoughts, He performs a miracle to prove His authority. “Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’?” Poof, He heals the man!
But wait, wait, wait - that’s not the point of the story is it. We get to see a Jesus superpower. Jesus knows all our thoughts!
Think about it – they pharisees were so busy thinking “who can forgive sins” that they didn’t see the miracle of God! Jesus tried to extend their understanding of scripture (word) but they were to blind to see the obvious.
Devotional Thought: What are you thinking right now that you really wish Jesus hadn’t heard? Are there areas in your life where you doubt? For some, it’s His ability to forgive?
Meditate on Psalm 103:2-3: “Praise the Lord, oh my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases.”
Side note – if you read this at the right speed you likely have either a hymn in your head or a praise song brewing…. (My Easter Egg to you). Precious His holy name!
Day 5: Rise and Walk
Key Scripture: Luke 5:25
Parallel OT Scripture: Isaiah 35:6
The paralyzed man immediately gets up, picks up his mat, and walks home, glorifying God. I used to think this part of the story was a bit abrupt. He just gets up and walks out – no thank you – nothing? Then I remember the lesson in day four. If we can get past our modern-day ethos for just a moment we can see that the hidden part of the story is that Jesus fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah 35:6: “Then will the lame leap like a deer.” The man’s healing is not just physical but also spiritual, and his response is one of worship and gratitude.
Devotional Thought: Reflect on how Jesus’ healing power leads to worship, praise, witness, fellowship, prayer – as you read the Word. How are you doing so far this week in your Pillar of faith?
Key Scripture: Luke 5:25
Parallel OT Scripture: Isaiah 35:6
The paralyzed man immediately gets up, picks up his mat, and walks home, glorifying God. I used to think this part of the story was a bit abrupt. He just gets up and walks out – no thank you – nothing? Then I remember the lesson in day four. If we can get past our modern-day ethos for just a moment we can see that the hidden part of the story is that Jesus fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah 35:6: “Then will the lame leap like a deer.” The man’s healing is not just physical but also spiritual, and his response is one of worship and gratitude.
Devotional Thought: Reflect on how Jesus’ healing power leads to worship, praise, witness, fellowship, prayer – as you read the Word. How are you doing so far this week in your Pillar of faith?
Day 6: Awe and Wonder
Key Scripture: Luke 5:26
Parallel OT Scripture: Habakkuk 3:2
The crowd is left in awe, saying, “We have seen remarkable things today.” This moment of witness points to the greatness of God and the transformative power of encountering Jesus. I love to be reminded all the time of the incredible things He can do when we approach Him with faith. I used to be surprised by what He has done for me – nowadays I’m just in awe – and in prayer of thanks for his mercy.
Devotional Thought: Reflect on a time when God’s work in your life or the lives of others left you in awe. Did it cultivate a sense of wonder and gratitude in your daily walk with Him?
Pray with the words of Habakkuk 3:2: “Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord.”
Key Scripture: Luke 5:26
Parallel OT Scripture: Habakkuk 3:2
The crowd is left in awe, saying, “We have seen remarkable things today.” This moment of witness points to the greatness of God and the transformative power of encountering Jesus. I love to be reminded all the time of the incredible things He can do when we approach Him with faith. I used to be surprised by what He has done for me – nowadays I’m just in awe – and in prayer of thanks for his mercy.
Devotional Thought: Reflect on a time when God’s work in your life or the lives of others left you in awe. Did it cultivate a sense of wonder and gratitude in your daily walk with Him?
Pray with the words of Habakkuk 3:2: “Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord.”
Day 7: Recap - Forgiveness and Healing
Key Scripture: Luke 5:17-26
Parallel OT Scripture: Micah 7:18-19
To close the week, we reflect on the heart of this passage: Jesus’ authority to forgive and His willingness to heal. Just as the paralyzed man was restored physically and spiritually, we’re reminded of our own need for both forgiveness and wholeness. Micah’s words echo this truth: “Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance?”
As we come into our day of worship we have a lot to reflect on in this often-taught story. I’m curious if you see it a bit differently this time. I remember leaving church trying to figure out how they men dug through the roof… My mind was so far away from the lesson I missed the entire story.
Bonus Reflection
Where can you find the five pillars of our Christian calling in these verses? All five are in there.
Key Scripture: Luke 5:17-26
Parallel OT Scripture: Micah 7:18-19
To close the week, we reflect on the heart of this passage: Jesus’ authority to forgive and His willingness to heal. Just as the paralyzed man was restored physically and spiritually, we’re reminded of our own need for both forgiveness and wholeness. Micah’s words echo this truth: “Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance?”
As we come into our day of worship we have a lot to reflect on in this often-taught story. I’m curious if you see it a bit differently this time. I remember leaving church trying to figure out how they men dug through the roof… My mind was so far away from the lesson I missed the entire story.
Bonus Reflection
Where can you find the five pillars of our Christian calling in these verses? All five are in there.
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