Just So It Is Clear

Luke 5:23-25 (MSG)
²³ Which is simpler: to say 'I forgive your sins,' or to say 'Get up and start walking'?
²⁴ Well, just so it's clear that I'm the Son of Man and authorized to do either, or both... ." He now spoke directly to the paraplegic: "Get up. Take your bedroll and go home."
²⁵ Without a moment's hesitation, he did it—got up, took his blanket, and left for home, giving glory to God all the way.

Jesus was responding to the leaders of the church. He could tell they were thinking that no one can forgive sins but God. Who is this man? They did not give voice to their objection, but He could see it in their hearts. It is our hearts that Jesus is after. So He healed a man on the outside as proof He could do so for the inside. The change in the seen is given as evidence of the change in the unseen. He did this to show that He is indeed the Son of God. As clear as the truth was, some that beheld this miracle did not believe, though many did. Sadly, that is still the way it is today. God has spoken and salvation has been revealed. He came Himself to show us – just so it is clear.