Articles
"Which Is Easier To Say?"
On many occasions, Jesus taught truths that went beyond an immediate situation. One such case is the account of Jesus healing a paralytic (Mark 2:1-12). The man’s friends demonstrated extraordinary faith in removing part of the roof on a home of someone else’s possession to bring their friend before Jesus’. Their supreme concern for their comrade gave a springboard not only for Jesus to heal their friend, but also to teach a valuable lesson.
Before healing the paralytic, Jesus takes the opportunity to teach a greater spiritual lesson. In an effort to do what Jesus felt to be more important – establish His divine identity – He declares the man forgiven of his transgressions (v. 5). Some of the scribes in the audience began reasoning in their hearts, and rather than using proper discernment, they immediately stirred up accusations against the Lord within their hearts (v. 6). Aware of this (v. 7), Jesus steers the conflict. He rebukes their evil motives and leads into the simple question: “Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven’; or to say, ‘Get up, and pick up your pallet and walk?” (v. 9). Of course the answer would be to say that the man’s sins were forgiven, as that would be unverifiable.
Jesus brings up a good point and lays down a timeless principle here: some things are easier to say than others. Of course, on this occasion both were true for Him, but I think you get my point. False claims are easy to make when they go unchecked because of their unverifiable nature. And some truths, being verifiable, will go unrecognized by those with callous hearts. Consider these things that the religious world finds easy to say, but upon scrutiny, are nothing more than foolishness:
1. All you have to do is say “the Sinner’s Prayer”.
2. Jesus didn’t say NOT to do it.
3. Love accepts faults and is tolerant of all viewpoints.
Upon a legitimate study of God’s Word, these things that are easy to say don’t measure up. At no place can one find a conversion account in which “the Sinner’s Prayer” is said. Christians are commanded NOT to add to Jesus’ words. Love rejoices in righteousness. Let us always remember that although something may be simply said, that unless authenticated by the veracity of God’s Word, it may be nothing short of empty chatter.
