New Testament
Luke 5:24
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"But so that you'll know the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins" — he turned to the paralyzed man — "I'm telling you: get up, pick up your mat, and go home."
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But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins, (he said unto the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house.
What Luke 5:24 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus demonstrates His authority as the Son of Man by forgiving the sins of a paralyzed man. He emphasizes that His power extends beyond physical healing to spiritual forgiveness. By telling the man to get up, take his mat, and go home, Jesus not only heals him physically but also validates His claim to forgive sins. This act serves as a sign to the onlookers that He is indeed the Messiah with divine authority. The command to rise and walk illustrates the transformative power of faith and the importance of responding to Jesus' words. The miracle serves as a powerful reminder that Jesus has the ability to change lives, both spiritually and physically, and that faith in Him can lead to restoration and healing.
How to apply Luke 5:24 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize Jesus' authority in our lives. Just as He healed the paralyzed man, He can bring healing and forgiveness to us. We should have faith in His power to transform our circumstances and respond to His call to rise and move forward in our lives.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Healing a Paralyzed Man (Luke 5:17–26)
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Keep studying Luke 5:24
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Key themes
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At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 5:24 mean?
Luke 5:24 shows Jesus asserting His authority to forgive sins, demonstrating that His power goes beyond physical healing. By healing the paralyzed man, He proves that He is the Messiah with the ability to transform lives both spiritually and physically.
What does 'Son of Man' refer to in Luke 5:24?
In Luke 5:24, 'Son of Man' refers to Jesus, emphasizing His humanity and authority. This title highlights His role as the Messiah who has the power to forgive sins and heal.
How does Luke 5:24 relate to the theme of forgiveness?
Luke 5:24 emphasizes that Jesus has the authority to forgive sins, which is a central theme in His ministry. The healing of the paralyzed man serves as a demonstration of this forgiveness, showing that spiritual healing is as important as physical healing.
What can we learn from Luke 5:24 about faith?
Luke 5:24 teaches that faith in Jesus can lead to both physical and spiritual healing. The paralyzed man's response to Jesus' command illustrates the importance of trusting in His power to change our circumstances.
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