I wonder: what, after all, is a human word worth? Not the Saviour's word—that is clear—but an ordinary word spoken by an ordinary person? Or, for example, the weighty word of a learned and educated person? Probably no more than what...
I wonder: what, after all, is a human word worth? Not the Saviour's word—that is clear—but an ordinary word spoken by an ordinary person? Or, for example, the weighty word of a learned and educated person? Probably no more than what the speaker himself is prepared to give for it.
What, then, is the word of the Pharisees who condemn Jesus worth? They are religious people and know that lying is a violation of a commandment given by God. And they undoubtedly do not consider Jesus a liar. They are simply dissatisfied with the wording: it is improper, impermissible, theologically incorrect.
But is what this Man says true? He speaks of the forgiveness of sins, and this is His mistake: He has a poor grasp of theology and seems to have said something blasphemous. Now it must be determined whether this was accidental, through ignorance, or deliberate.
It occurs to no one how far what is happening lies from the theological disputes so familiar to teachers of the Torah and activists in religious brotherhoods. And when it turns out that theological formulas are not the point, everyone freezes in bewilderment. They do not know how to respond: a man is healed despite the incorrect wording. The theologians are at a loss—they have felt the breath of the Kingdom.
2
2:1 And again - After having been in desert places for some time, he returned privately to the city. In the house - In Peter's house.
2:2 And immediately many were gathered together - Hitherto continued the general impression on their hearts. Hitherto, even at Capernaum, all who heard received the word with joy.
2:3 Matteo 9:2; Luca 5:18.
2:4 They uncovered the roof - Or, took up the covering, the lattice or trap door, which was on all their houses, (being flat roofed.) And finding it not wide enough, broke the passage wider, to let down the couch.
2:6 But certain of the scribes - See whence the first offence cometh! As yet not one of the plain unlettered people were offended. They all rejoiced in the light, till these men of learning came, to put darkness for light, and light for darkness.Wo to all such blind guides! Good had it been for these if they had never been born. O God, let me never offend one of thy simple ones! Sooner let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth!
2:12 They were all amazed - Even the scribes themselves for a time.