Mark 2:10
But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic—
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus emphasizes that His authority to forgive sins, a power exclusively belonging to God, is being exercised on earth. This declaration, using the title "Son of Man" for the first time in Mark, directly challenges the scribes' assumption that such power could only reside in heaven, asserting that divine authority is now personally present in Him.
Jesus has just returned to Capernaum, and a crowd has gathered, eager to hear him speak. A group brings a paralyzed man to Jesus, but due to the crowd, they ingeniously lower him through the roof. Jesus, seeing their faith, first declares the man's sins forgiven, which sparks outrage among the scribes who believe only God can forgive sins. Jesus then directly challenges their thoughts, using the paralytic's healing as undeniable proof of His authority on earth to forgive sins.
Jesus claims a divine prerogative—forgiving sins—while standing on solid ground. How can this be?
The scribes were furious because they believed only God could forgive sins. Jesus’ response, "the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins," is incredibly significant.
A Divine Claim
This phrase, "Son of Man," is a direct reference to Daniel 7, where a figure like a Son of Man is given "dominion and glory and a kingdom." Jesus is intentionally linking Himself to this prophetic figure, implying He possesses divine authority.
Earthly Presence, Heavenly Power
Notice the emphasis on "on earth." While the scribes assumed forgiveness was a heavenly affair, Jesus asserts that His authority to forgive is actively present and exercised now, in His earthly ministry. This wasn't just a future promise; it was a present reality demonstrated by His words and actions.
Why did Jesus call Himself 'Son of Man' in this moment? It's more than just a nickname.
Jesus’ use of the title "Son of Man" here is deliberate and packed with meaning. It’s not just a casual self-reference; it’s a declaration of His identity and purpose.
Connecting Humanity and Divinity
This title, rooted in the Old Testament (especially Daniel), points to Jesus as both fully human and divinely appointed. He is one "like a son of man" (Daniel 7:13), signifying His humanity and His role as a representative figure for all people. Yet, this figure is also given "dominion and glory and a kingdom."
A Claim to Unique Authority
By calling Himself the Son of Man, Jesus is staking a claim. He's saying, "I, in my human form, possess the divine authority to do what only God can do." It’s a way of asserting His unique position as the bridge between heaven and earth, fully God and fully man, uniquely empowered to forgive.
Understand the original words
huios tou anthrōpou · Greek Noun Phrase
A Messianic title used by Jesus to refer to Himself, drawing upon the apocalyptic imagery of Daniel 7:13–14. It highlights both His identification with humanity and His divine status as the One to whom all authority and judgment are given.
exousian · Greek Noun
The right, power, or legal jurisdiction to act, command, or perform an action. Jesus claims a unique divine authority that validates His identity and His mission.
This event highlights a key conflict during Jesus' earthly ministry: His divine authority, particularly to forgive sins, challenged the established religious leaders. His actions in Capernaum, a bustling Galilean town, were directly witnessed by both His followers and His critics.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus begins His public ministry
Jesus begins teaching, healing, and calling disciples throughout Galilee, establishing His presence and authority in the region.
Early 1st century AD— this verse
Jesus teaches and heals in Capernaum
Capernaum becomes a central base for Jesus' ministry, where He performs numerous miracles and gains a growing following, attracting both believers and skeptics.
Early 1st century AD
The scribes and Pharisees observe Jesus
Religious leaders from various regions, including Jerusalem, come to observe Jesus' growing influence and teachings, often with suspicion and intent to find fault.
This passage describes a 'Son of Man' figure coming to the Ancient of Days to receive dominion and glory, laying the groundwork for Jesus' own use of this title to assert His divine authority, especially His power to forgive sins.
Isaiah 43:25This verse directly states God's unique prerogative to blot out transgressions, highlighting the boldness and divine authority Jesus claims when He forgives the paralytic's sins.
Psalm 130:4This psalm speaks of God's abundant mercy and willingness to redeem Israel from all iniquities, underscoring the theological context for Jesus demonstrating that this merciful redemption is available through Him on earth.
Luke 5:20-21This parallel account emphasizes the scribes' internal questioning of Jesus' blasphemy ('Who can forgive sins but God alone?'), directly mirroring the tension in Mark 2:10 as Jesus demonstrates His authority by a tangible miracle.
Acts 5:31This verse shows Peter proclaiming Jesus as having been exalted by God to grant repentance and forgiveness of sins, reinforcing the idea that Jesus' earthly authority to forgive sins is rooted in His heavenly exaltation.
pooleMark 2:10: "But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)"
See Poole on "Mark 2:1"
gillMark 2:10: "But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)"
But that ye may know that the son of man,.... Meaning himself, who was really man, and the true Messiah, in which sense this phrase had been used in the writings of the Old Testament; see Psalm 80:17 , and though by reason of his outward form; and mean appearance, he might be thought by them to be but a mere man, and had no right, nor authority, to say what he had; in…
Jesus emphasizes that His authority to forgive sins, a power exclusively belonging to God, is being exercised on earth. This declaration, using the title "Son of Man" for the first time in Mark, directly challenges the scribes' assumption that such power could only reside in heaven, asserting that divine authority is now personally present in Him.
Jesus has just returned to Capernaum, and a crowd has gathered, eager to hear him speak. A group brings a paralyzed man to Jesus, but due to the crowd, they ingeniously lower him through the roof. Jesus, seeing their faith, first declares the man's sins forgiven, which sparks outrage among the scribes who believe only God can forgive sins. Jesus then directly challenges their thoughts, using the paralytic's healing as undeniable proof of His authority on earth to forgive sins.
Jesus has just returned to Capernaum, and a crowd has gathered, eager to hear him speak. A group brings a paralyzed man to Jesus, but due to the crowd, they ingeniously lower him through the roof. Jesus, seeing their faith, first declares the man's sins forgiven, which sparks outrage among the scribes who believe only God can forgive sins. Jesus then directly challenges their thoughts, using the paralytic's healing as undeniable proof of His authority on earth to forgive sins.
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Jesus didn't just say He could forgive; He proved it. What was His evidence?
The scribes were challenged by Jesus' claim to forgive sins because they rightly understood it as a divine prerogative. Jesus responds by using a tangible miracle as proof of His intangible spiritual authority.
The Easier Claim vs. The Harder Proof
Jesus asks, "Which is easier: to say to a paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’?” (Mark 2:9). The scribes likely thought saying "your sins are forgiven" was easier because it couldn't be immediately verified. Anyone could say it.
Visible Power for Invisible Truth
However, Jesus declared, "But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins—he said to the paralytic—‘Get up, take your mat and go home.’” (Mark 2:10-11). By instantly healing the man's physical paralysis, Jesus provided undeniable evidence that He also had the authority to accomplish the spiritual healing—the forgiveness of sins—which was the greater, though less visible, act.
"But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic—" — Jesus emphasizes that His authority to forgive sins, a power exclusively belonging to God, is being exercised on earth. This declaration, using the title "Son of Man" for the first time in Mark, di…
