And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "My son, your sins are forgiven." Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, "Why does this man speak thus? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, "Why do you question thus in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise, take up your pallet and walk'? But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins"—he said to the paralytic— "I say to you, rise, take up your pallet and go home." And he rose, and immediately took up the pallet and went out before them all; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, "We never saw anything like this!"
Mark 2:5–12 (RSV)
I have been a pastor of the Church for forty-four years. In those years I have been privileged to witness beautiful things done in the Lord's Name. The same Church has done many questionable things.
As a pastor, the challenge is to carefully discern which is faithful to our Lord and which is folly. At times, the choice is clear and unmistakable; other times, not so much. As a called and ordained servant of Christ, for the sake of the souls entrusted to my care, a pastor cannot be reckless.
The scribes heard Jesus offer the paralytic forgiveness. They were 100% correct in their judgment that only God alone could forgive sins. They had the responsibility to guard the faith against those who would blaspheme.
At that moment, Jesus challenged them to hear the fullness of God's Word. Forgiveness and healing with a word are both a work of God the Father. Jesus spoke a word of healing to the paralytic so the hearts of all present would know that the authority to forgive was in Him as well.
As in all the ages of the Church's life, new ways of faithfulness are raised. Luther's call to renew and reform the Church, though not his choosing, was the faithful call. In our time, many voices have called for the Church to act in ways we would not have considered.
Our response is rooted in the death and resurrection of Jesus. Does it proclaim Christ? This is our test and measure. If it does, then we must give it careful consideration. If it does not, even if the whole world is seeking the change, we must not for the sake of the precious souls for whom Jesus was crucified and raised from the dead.