If you haven't done so already, you might find it helpful to read the previous lesson from chapter 4.

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Read Luke 5:17-26

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Jesus taught the people and demonstrated His authority and power through miracles.

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The First Time...

It is in this account that we see for the first time Jesus forgive sins. When He witnessed the faith of the paralytic and his friends, (they had faith to receive healing) Jesus first demonstrated His authority to forgive sins. In v. 21, the Pharisees ask "Who is this man who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?"

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We also see in this account the first time Jesus refers to Himself as the Son of Man*. This is a term that Jesus used to indicate that He was indeed the Messiah, which the Pharisees refused to believe or accept. The Son of Man is both human and divine, and has the authority to forgive sins. To authenticate His words and His authority, Jesus then heals the paralytic.

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*For more information about the term "Son of Man," go to GotQuestions.org and search: "What does it mean that Jesus is the Son of Man?"

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The Response

The paralytic (and no doubt, his friends) glorified God.

The people were astonished, filled with fear (awe) and glorified God.