Anonymously Famous There is no such thing as half a pardon. There are no processes of forgiveness — "Thy sins are forgiven thee." - J. Vaughan ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ It is by a free pardon that sin is removed and its eternal consequences averted. There is no other cure. – W. Armlet 11/11/2018

Kingdom of God If you want to keep it give it away (Luke 6:38) If you receive hate return love (Luke 6:27) If you receive loud anger lower your voice (Prov 15:1) If you want to lead take the lower place (Matt 20:16)

Kingdom of God If you pray/fast go into your closet and don’t let anyone know (Matt 6:6) If you want to be truly free become a slave of Christ (Mark 10:43-44) If you want victory embrace your weaknesses (2 Cor. 12:9) If you want to live you must die (Galatians 2:20)

How To Succeed Matthew 20:26 - It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, Matthew 23:11 - The greatest among you shall be your servant. Mark 10:43 - But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant,

Christ’s Example Philippians 2:1-11

Luke 5:17-26 Parallels: Matthew 9:1-8, Mark 2:1-12

Initial Thoughts Jesus deals with heart issues The four men risked their reputation by helping The crowd would not make room for them The friends were determined no matter the obstacles

Roof Questions? How did they get him up there? How did they lower him? How long did it take? How big of a mess was it? Dirt, tile, mud, whatever would have been noticed.

Luke 5:17 On one of those days, as He was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with Him to heal.

Luke 5:18 And behold, some men were bringing on a bed a man who was paralyzed, and they were seeking to bring him in and lay him before Jesus,

Luke 5:19 but finding no way to bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the midst before Jesus. I wonder what kind of expression was on Jesus’ face?

Luke 5:20 And when He saw their faith, He said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.”

More Thoughts Again, Jesus goes to the root, first, eternal problem – sin! The man didn’t move nor did he appear to speak. His friend’s faith was rewarded – does this speak to intercession perhaps?

Luke 5:21 And the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, saying, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?”

Luke 5:22-23 When Jesus perceived their thoughts, He answered them, “Why do you question in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’?

Luke 5:24 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—He said to the man who was paralyzed— “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed and go home.”

Luke 5:24 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—He said to the man who was paralyzed— “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed and go home.”

Luke 5:25 And immediately he rose up before them and picked up what he had been lying on and went home, glorifying God.

Luke 5:26 And amazement seized them all, and they glorified God and were filled with awe, saying, “We have seen extraordinary things today.”

For Our Consideration Why Anonymously Famous as the title? Would we risk social rejection for someone else? How determined are we as a friend, spouse, sibling? Has our primary need of sin been dealt with? How’s our faith? Seen?

Prayer Focus Thank You Father for sending Jesus to deal with sin. Thank You for the Word of God that inspires us with faith to keep on walking. Thank You that we may know Your great love.