Luke 5:24 – “But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the paralyzed man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Jesus directly confronts the religious leaders’ doubts by making a bold statement about His authority. He refers to Himself as the “Son of Man,” a title with deep biblical significance, and declares that He has the authority to forgive sins. To prove that His words are not empty, Jesus tells the paralyzed man to stand up, take his mat, and go home. The man’s immediate healing demonstrates that Jesus’ claim to forgive sins is real and backed by divine power.

The miracle of physical healing serves as visible evidence of an even greater reality—Jesus’ authority to forgive sin. The religious leaders questioned His ability to forgive because they believed only God could do that. But Jesus shows them that His power over sickness and His power to forgive sins come from the same divine authority.

Historical Context

The title “Son of Man” comes from the Old Testament, particularly Daniel 7:13-14, where it refers to a heavenly figure with authority, glory, and dominion given by God. By calling Himself the Son of Man, Jesus is identifying Himself as this divine figure, something the religious leaders would have understood. The title also emphasizes Jesus’ role as both fully human and fully divine, the one who bridges the gap between God and humanity.

In Jewish tradition, forgiveness of sins was tied to the temple, sacrifices, and priestly mediation. For Jesus to forgive sins without going through these rituals was radical and offensive to the religious leaders. His ability to heal the paralyzed man confirmed that He had the authority to bypass the temple system and offer forgiveness directly.

Theological Implications

This verse carries profound theological significance because it reveals who Jesus is and what He came to do:

1. Jesus is the Son of Man with divine authority. By healing the paralyzed man, Jesus proves that He is the one Daniel spoke of, with authority over both physical and spiritual realms. His power to forgive sins is evidence of His divinity.
2. Forgiveness is available through Jesus, not religious rituals. The religious leaders thought forgiveness had to come through the temple sacrifices, but Jesus demonstrates that God’s grace is now available directly through Him.
3. Spiritual healing is confirmed by God’s power. The physical healing of the paralyzed man is an outward sign of the spiritual reality—when Jesus forgives sins, that forgiveness is real and effective.

This moment highlights that forgiveness is not something we earn or achieve through rituals—it is a gift that comes through Jesus’ authority and grace.

Literary Analysis

Luke uses this verse as the climax of the narrative. The tension has been building as the religious leaders silently question Jesus, but here, He addresses them directly. The phrase “I want you to know” shows that Jesus is making a public declaration, not just for the benefit of the paralyzed man but for everyone present. He is revealing His identity and mission in a way that cannot be ignored.

The structure of the sentence emphasizes the connection between Jesus’ authority to forgive sins and His power to heal. By commanding the man to “get up,” Jesus demonstrates that His words have power in both the physical and spiritual realms. The healing is immediate, leaving no room for doubt about His authority.

Biblical Cross-References

• Daniel 7:13-14 – “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven… His dominion is an everlasting dominion.”
• Matthew 9:6 – A parallel account where Jesus makes the same declaration of His authority to forgive sins.
• Mark 2:10-12 – The same story emphasizes that the healing was proof of Jesus’ authority over sin.
• John 5:27 – “And he has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man.” This highlights Jesus’ role in both judgment and forgiveness.

These references reinforce the idea that Jesus, as the Son of Man, has been given authority by God to forgive sins and perform miracles.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For Christians today, this verse is a powerful reminder that Jesus has the authority to forgive our sins. We don’t have to go through a system of sacrifices or rituals to receive forgiveness—we can come directly to Jesus. His authority is rooted in who He is: the Son of Man, the one sent by God to redeem us.

This verse also gives us confidence in the promises of Jesus. Just as the paralyzed man experienced immediate healing when Jesus spoke, we can trust that His forgiveness is immediate and complete. When we confess our sins and receive His forgiveness, we don’t have to carry the burden of guilt any longer.

Additionally, this verse challenges us to live with faith in Jesus’ power over every part of our lives. If He has the authority to forgive sins and heal sickness, then He also has the power to guide us, provide for us, and transform us.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is shown in His willingness to meet our deepest need: forgiveness. The paralyzed man came to Jesus seeking physical healing, but Jesus saw a deeper need and addressed it first. This reflects God’s loving nature—He doesn’t just fix temporary problems; He offers eternal solutions.

God’s love is also evident in the way He reveals His power through Jesus. He didn’t leave humanity to wonder how they could be forgiven—He made it clear through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection that forgiveness is available to all who believe.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse directly connects to Jesus’ role as the Savior. His authority to forgive sins points to His mission to redeem humanity through His death and resurrection. The physical healing of the paralyzed man is a preview of the greater healing Jesus offers—spiritual restoration and eternal life.

The title “Son of Man” also points to Jesus’ role as the mediator between God and humanity. He took on human flesh so that He could deal with the problem of sin on our behalf. His authority to forgive is fully confirmed through His sacrifice on the cross and His victory over death.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does Jesus’ authority to forgive sins mean for your relationship with Him?
2. How does knowing that forgiveness comes directly through Jesus change the way you approach God?
3. What areas of your life do you need to trust Jesus to heal—whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually?
4. How can Jesus’ demonstration of power over sin and sickness give you confidence in His promises?
5. How does the title “Son of Man” help you understand Jesus’ role as both fully human and fully divine?

This verse is a powerful reminder that Jesus didn’t come just to teach or perform miracles—He came to forgive sins and restore us to God. His authority is real, and His forgiveness is available to all who come to Him in faith. Just as the paralyzed man experienced healing and restoration, we too can experience the life-changing power of Jesus when we trust in Him.