Definition: And when he saw their faith, he said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down that verse from Luke 5:20. It’s a really important and often misunderstood passage. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: Jesus is teaching a group of people – mostly women and tax collectors – who are listening to him. He’s showing them that he’s kind and forgiving. What Happened Next: He notices they're listening to him, but they're also praying for forgiveness. They’re asking for a chance to be free from their sins. The Key Phrase: “Man, thy sins are forgiven thee.” Let’s unpack that: “Man”: This is a very important word. It refers to Jesus himself. “Thy sins…” : This means "your sins." It's referring to all the wrong things you've done – whatever bad thoughts, actions, or words you’ve regretted. “…are forgiven thee.”: This is the big part! It means “Your sins are forgiven you .” So, what does it mean in a nutshell? Jesus is saying that because the people were showing faith – believing in him and asking for forgiveness – he has forgiven them. It’s like he’s giving them a second chance to be clean and right with God. Why is this important? This verse highlights Jesus' immense love and willingness to forgive others, even those who have made mistakes. It shows that forgiveness isn’t just for us; it’s also for everyone . It’s a powerful message of grace and hope – that God wants to embrace everyone, no matter how flawed they may seem. Important Note: This verse is often misinterpreted. The idea that Jesus was forgiving them because they were being polite or obedient is a modern interpretation that isn't found in the original text. The true meaning is about his profound forgiveness and acceptance of those who are genuinely repentant. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this story (why it’s significant)? Explore what "faith" means in the Bible?