Jesus Forgave Sins while He Was on Earth (Acts 1:1-2)
Introduction:
1. In Acts 1:1-2, Luke mentioned the book he had written earlier. 2. In his earlier book [the Gospel of Luke], Luke recorded many things that Jesus had done and taught while He was on earth. 3. We are studying passages from the book of Luke that have something in common -- they show how "Jesus forgave sins while He was on earth."
Discussion:
I. (Luke 5:17-26) JESUS FORGAVE THE SINS OF A MAN AFFLICTED WITH PALSY
A. At this time the Lord's popularity was very high (vs.15). 1. His ministry consisted primarily of teaching and healing. 2. Multitudes of people came to the Lord to hear Him and to be healed. B. Jesus was teaching in a house that was filled with people, including a number of Pharisees and doctors of the law. C. A man afflicted with palsy was brought to the Lord. 1. His friends could not take him inside because of the crowd. 2. They lowered him down through the roof. D. Jesus saw their faith. E. He responded by saying that this man's sins were forgiven. F. The scribes and Pharisees considered the Lord's statement to be "blasphemy." 1. They knew that only God can forgive sins. 2. They overlooked the obvious point -- by forgiving the man's sins Jesus showed that He is divine. G. Jesus demonstrated His divine power even further by healing the man of his palsy. 1. The man was brought to Jesus in a bed. 2. He left Jesus carrying his bed and glorifying God.
II. (Luke 7:36-50) JESUS FORGAVE THE SINS OF A WOMAN WHO ANOINTED HIS FEET
A. Jesus had been invited to eat a meal at the home of a Pharisee named Simon. B. This woman, a sinner, washed Jesus' feet and anointed them with ointment. C. Simon questioned whether Jesus was a true prophet. D. After Jesus responded to Simon's comment, He gave this woman a special blessing -- He forgave her sins. E. There were some present who questioned what Jesus did [it appears that they overlooked the obvious point -- that Jesus is divine]. F. This woman came to Jesus in tears -- she left in a saved condition.
III. (Luke 23:39-43) JESUS FORGAVE THE SINS OF A THIEF WHO WAS CRUCIFIED WITH HIM
A. (vs.32-33) Jesus was crucified between 2 "malefactors" [thieves]. B. One of the thieves railed against the Lord. C. The other man knew that Jesus did not deserve to be treated that way. D. He asked Jesus to remember him, and he received a special blessing. E. This man came in contact with Jesus at Calvary -- later that day he was with the Lord in paradise.
Conclusion:
1. On these occasions, Jesus forgave the sins of 3 different people. 2. By doing so, He demonstrated His authority -- only God can forgive sins. 3. Sometimes, questions are asked about why these people were not baptized. 4. The answer is simple -- Jesus did not give the Great Commission until after His resurrection (Luke 24:44-47; Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16). 5. Let us not overlook the point that was made when Jesus forgave the sins of people while He was on earth -- He is God's divine Son. 6. The good news is that He still forgives sins. a. He forgives the sins of those who obey the Gospel (Hebrews 5:9). b. He forgives the sins of His followers as we walk in the light (1 John 1:7). c. He forgives His followers when we confess our sins (1 John 1:9).
