The other day, my eight-year-old son said to me, “You know those Bible videos you post online? You should do one about ‘Can You See Sins.’” He said, “We technically can’t, but we kinda can.” We chatted a bit more about that, and I think he’s onto something.
If you’ve ever wondered, “How do I know God has forgiven me?” or “Why did Jesus perform miracles?” or “Why is it important for me to live a holy life?” then this lesson is for you.
In this lesson, we’ll look at Mark chapter 2 to discuss whether or not we can see sins. We will study two points, as my son put it:
- We technically can’t.
- But we kinda can.
You can’t see sins
In the gospel accounts of Matthew, Luke, and John, we get a good introduction into the life of Jesus and the meaning of His coming. Mark, however, gets down to business right away, launching straight into John’s ministry in the wilderness and Jesus’ baptism. About 40 days later, Jesus begins his ministry. He casts out demons and heals many people. Chapter 2 begins:
And again He entered Capernaum after some days, and it was heard that He was in the house. Immediately many gathered together, so that there was no longer room to receive them, not even near the door. And He preached the word to them.
Mark 2:1–2
Throughout all the gospel accounts, we see Jesus prioritizing the preaching of God’s word. It was and still is important to Him that you and I have a healthy understanding of the will of God.
Then they came to Him, bringing a paralytic who was carried by four men. And when they could not come near Him because of the crowd, they uncovered the roof where He was. So when they had broken through, they let down the bed on which the paralytic was lying.
Mark 2:3–4
Jesus’ reputation was spreading quickly, and these people must have heard of His miracles. It’s clear they are bringing their friend to Jesus to be healed. Yet it’s seemingly impossible to get to Him. It’s standing room only in the house, and the crowd is bulging out of the door. That’s not going to stop this paralyzed guy’s friends. Breaking through the ceiling, they place him before the Lord. What’s Jesus going to do?
When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.”
Mark 2:5
Don’t let these two details escape your notice: Jesus saw their faith. These people didn’t just say they believed Jesus could heal their friend. They proved they believed it with their actions. Like James said:
But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.
James 2:18
And, although these people came to Jesus for physical healing, Jesus first addressed this man’s spiritual state. Does that show us Jesus’ priority?
In Matthew 1:21, the angel told Joseph:
And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.
Matthew 1:21
Jesus Himself told Zacchaeus:
The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.
Luke 19:10
Jesus came to earth because there was a sin problem. As Mark has already shown us, Jesus didn’t ignore physical problems, but here we see Jesus prioritizing spiritual problems.
And some of the scribes were sitting there and reasoning in their hearts, “Why does this Man speak blasphemies like this? Who can forgive sins but God alone?”
Mark 2:6–7
If you’re familiar with the New Testament, you know these scribes are never the heroes of a story. Yet this is the beginning of Mark’s gospel, and see how he presents these people to us. Not as monsters, but as people I at least can relate to. If I were in their position, I would have said the same thing. They’re hearing the message of a preacher, which I have done on many occasions. And I have heard some great messages from skilled orators. But I don’t care how good a preacher some guy is, he is still some guy. If he were to begin walking around the congregation supposedly forgiving sins, I would think, “Who does this guy think he is? God?”
The scribes in Jesus’ audience asked, “Who can forgive sins but God alone?” If I offend you, it is within your power to forgive what you hold against me. But if I have sinned against God, you’ve got no power of forgiveness there. You can aid me in repentance. You can pray with and for me. But only God can forgive sins. So I can’t blame these scribes for reacting this way at first. Jesus claims to be able to forgive sins. How scandalous!
But immediately, when Jesus perceived in His spirit that they reasoned thus within themselves, He said to them, “Why do you reason about these things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, “Your sins are forgiven you,” or to say, “Arise, take up your bed and walk”?
Mark 2:8–9
Jesus knew. He knew what they were thinking. In addition to showing us the priority of the spiritual state, Jesus was also setting the stage for what was going to happen next. Technically it’s just as easy to say, “Your sins are forgiven you,” as “Take up your bed and walk.” But the question within the question is, “Which one is easier to demonstrate?” And this is where my son was right. Can we see sins? We technically can’t. Can you see forgiveness? Same answer.
Take a walk through any art museum that has Christian-themed paintings from about the fourth century onward. How do you know who’s holy in the paintings? Look for the halo, also known as a nimbus—the radiant circle that surrounds the subject’s head. Halos are not mentioned in the Bible, and they actually have pagan roots, but artists adapted them in their paintings because you cannot see sins, or holiness for that matter. Don’t forget: we will get to the “but we kinda can” part soon.
Any person can go around claiming to forgive people of their sins. But how do you know? How can you be sure he is authentic? How do you know your sins have been truly forgiven? Jesus continues:
But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—He said to the paralytic, “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” Immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went out in the presence of them all, so that all were amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”
Mark 2:10–12
The scribes asked how Jesus could claim to forgive sins. The answer is because, on earth, He alone has authority over sins. And His miracles proved it. It’s similar to what Nicodemus said:
This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.”
John 3:2
Why did God give certain people on earth miraculous abilities? The primary purpose the Bible gives over and over is to prove to others that they had God’s authority to do or say something.
Only God can forgive sins. Jesus claimed to be able to forgive sins. Therefore, Jesus claimed to be God. Jesus’ miraculous ability proved what He said was true—they proved He was God in the flesh.
“And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins…They shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”
Matthew 1:21, 23
“But hang on,” someone says. “Jesus called Himself the Son of Man in this passage. Wasn’t Jesus pointing to His humanity by calling Himself the Son of Man?” Good question. “Son of Man” was the way Jesus most commonly referred to Himself. Notice this excerpt from the trial of Jesus:
Again the high priest asked Him, saying to Him, “Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” Jesus said, “I am. And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.” Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “What further need do we have of witnesses? You have heard the blasphemy! What do you think?” And they all condemned Him to be deserving of death.
Mark 14:61–64
When Jesus claimed to forgive sins, the scribes accused Him of blasphemy (that is, speaking against God). Here, Jesus claims to be the Son of Man, and He receives the same accusation. Why? Because Jesus claimed to be God in both cases. It goes back to Daniel 7:13–14:
I was watching in the night visions,
Daniel 7:13–14
And behold, One like the Son of Man,
Coming with the clouds of heaven!
He came to the Ancient of Days,
And they brought Him near before Him.
Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom,
That all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him.
His dominion is an everlasting dominion,
Which shall not pass away,
And His kingdom the one
Which shall not be destroyed.
By calling Himself the “Son of Man,” Jesus claims to be the God-man figure from the visions of Daniel whom God Himself appoints for dominion, glory, royalty, service, kingdom, and worship. It’s a position of deity. Caiaphas knew Jesus was not just claiming to be some dude here. He was claiming to be God, which is why He could forgive sins on earth. Therefore, it was imperative Jesus perform miracles to prove He was who He claimed He was, since you technically can’t see sins.
When I was baptized into Jesus in 2003, as I was coming out of the water, I remember half-expecting the water to be black. God had washed away my sins. Surely there’d be evidence of that, right? Looking back, it seems silly, but it reminds me of the promises of God.
For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.
Romans 15:4
God has a pretty good track record. And by “pretty good,” I mean perfect. He always fulfills His promises. Here, Paul reminds the Christian to revisit the Old Testament Scriptures any time we begin to doubt the love or assurance of God. Why? Because you can’t see sins or forgiveness. I know Jesus has forgiven my sins. Is it because there’s a new sparkle in my eye or a halo over my head? No. You can’t see sins or forgiveness. To be sure, it felt great the moment He forgave me, but there was no physical change or sign to prove it. Feelings can deceive, so how could I be confident in my forgiveness? By trusting in His word.
In 1 John 5:13, John says the child of God can know he or she has eternal life based on what has been written. God has always kept His promises to other people. And by His miracles, Jesus has proven to be able to forgive sins. And so I can believe Him when He says my sins are washed away, even if I cannot see that happen.
You can see sins
Can we see sins? We technically can’t. But, for the rest of this lesson, let’s discuss how we kinda can. You know what it’s like to do wrong. You’ve lied, stolen, lusted, or sinned in some other way, and your conscience and the word of God have testified against you. Likewise, you’ve also witnessed someone else sin, haven’t you? Just like a forgiven person doesn’t grow a halo, a sinful person doesn’t grow horns. A saint isn’t always physically clean and sparkly, and a sinner doesn’t always have a swarm of flies around him. Pardon the cliché analogy, but it’s like the wind. You can’t see sins or forgiveness, but you can see their effects. That’s the focus of so much of the New Testament.
Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits.
Matthew 7:15–16
In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit constantly urges the Christians—both those mature in the faith and babes in Christ—to strive for holy living. Live in such a way that people know God is inside you. Why? So people can admire you? Not for a second.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:16
It’s all glory to God. And when we say we are Christians, we represent Him to the rest of the world. And they’re paying attention! Can you see sins? You better believe they notice when a child of God messes up. Therefore:
Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
Colossians 4:5–6
Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.
1 Peter 2:11–12
Of course we won’t be perfect, and praise God for His mercy and grace! When He shines His light on you, you are to reflect it for others. But when you absorb that light and never share it with other people, at best, the benefits of sanctification end with you instead of being shared. At worst, your hypocrisy profanes the gospel.
As obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”
1 Peter 1:14–16
In his next letter, he would talk about someone who has been cleansed who later decides to go back to sin. It’s like a pig going back to the mud and a dog returning to its vomit. Although it’s not like a sci-fi film where your eyes turn red or black mold grows around your footsteps, the more you’re aware of God’s word, the more you’re aware of your conduct. You know when you’re out of line. And, like the wind, the effects will be seen.
Therefore, it’s vital you get to know God’s word more and more. Online videos and articles may help you in your walk, but the most important thing for you is to abide in Christ and His word.
Can you see sins and forgiveness? Technically, no. But you can trust Jesus. And if He has told you in His word that your sins are forgiven, even if you’re having trouble forgiving yourself, you can have full confidence in His forgiveness. Conversely, if the Scriptures condemn you, even if you feel justified, the Lord is crying out, “Trust in Me, not in your feelings!” Constantly allow His word and the fellowship of the church to shape you into the image of Jesus, so that, even though people won’t see holiness, they kinda will.