Evil Thoughts

Matthew 9:3-8 At this, some of the teachers of the law said to themselves, “This fellow is blaspheming!” Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, “Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts? Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the paralyzed man, “Get up, take your mat and go home.” Then the man got up and went home. When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe; and they praised God, who had given such authority to man. When Jesus announced his forgiveness of this man's sins, the scribes were incensed. Jesus, knowing all things, including our thoughts and motives, rebukes them. Not only did they not believe He had authority to forgive sins; they were "entertaining evil." Why? Because Jesus stood there smack against their refusal to admit they were sinners. They could not prove whether this man was forgiven or not, because they could not see within him. But Jesus could; he could see within this man and them also. How do you respond when you know He knows? To remove all doubt, Jesus shows them something they can see - His power to heal, and forgive.