December 31st 2025 Devotional

Living Water Vineyard – Wednesday Devotion

Who Was in the House… and Who Is Jesus?

(Matthew 9:1–8 · Mark 2:1–12 · Luke 5:17–26)

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Before the roof is torn open…

Before the man is healed…

Before anyone walks out amazed…

Scripture wants us to notice who was already in the room.

Jesus has returned home to Capernaum (Matthew 9:1; Mark 2:1), and word spreads quickly. The house fills up completely—people packed inside, others spilling out the doorway (Mark 2:2).

Luke adds a detail we can’t overlook:

“Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there, who had come from every village of Galilee and from Judea and Jerusalem.” (Luke 5:17)

These weren’t casual observers.

They were the religious experts.

And Luke tells us something else:

“The power of the Lord was present for Him to heal.” (Luke 5:17)

God’s power is present.

The house is full.

The tension is thick.

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Who Were These Men Watching Jesus?

The Pharisees were deeply committed to keeping the Law. They believed holiness came through strict obedience and separation from anything sinful.

The teachers of the law—also called scribes—were trained interpreters of Scripture. They copied the sacred texts and taught people how to live them out.

Together, they believed they were protecting God’s truth.

And now they’re watching Jesus very carefully.

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Then Faith Interrupts the Room

Four men arrive carrying a paralyzed friend on a mat (Mark 2:3; Luke 5:18).

They try the door. No way in.

They see the crowd. No opening.

But faith doesn’t quit when the way is blocked.

They climb onto the roof. They tear it open. And they lower the man down right in front of Jesus (Mark 2:4; Luke 5:19).

The room goes silent.

And then comes the moment that changes everything:

“When Jesus saw their faith…” (Mark 2:5; Luke 5:20)

Jesus doesn’t say He heard their faith.

He saw it.

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Jesus Says the Unthinkable

Everyone expects healing.

But Jesus looks at the man and says:

“Take heart, son. Your sins are forgiven.” (Matthew 9:2; Mark 2:5; Luke 5:20)

Immediately, the religious leaders react—but not out loud.

“Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” (Mark 2:6–7; Luke 5:21)

Here’s the key:

They were absolutely right about one thing.

Only God can forgive sins.

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Psalm 51 and the Authority to Forgive

King David understood this long before Jesus stood in that house.

After his sin, David prayed:

“Have mercy on me, O God… blot out my transgressions.” (Psalm 51:1)

“Against You, You only, have I sinned.” (Psalm 51:4)

“Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.” (Psalm 51:7)

David didn’t appeal to religious leaders.

He cried out directly to God.

Because sin is ultimately against God—and only God has the authority to blot it out.

So when Jesus forgives sins, the leaders are forced into a decision:

👉 Either Jesus is blaspheming…

👉 Or Jesus is doing what only God can do.

There is no middle ground.

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Jesus Makes His Claim Clear

Jesus knows what they’re thinking (Mark 2:8; Luke 5:22) and asks:

“Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’?” (Mark 2:9; Matthew 9:5)

Then He answers His own question:

“But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” (Mark 2:10; Luke 5:24; Matthew 9:6)

And He heals the man.

The man stands.

He walks.

He leaves praising God (Mark 2:12; Luke 5:25; Matthew 9:7).

Jesus just proved His authority.

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Jesus Repeatedly Claimed to Be God

Some today say, “Jesus never claimed to be God.”

But Scripture says otherwise.

Jesus said:

   •   “Before Abraham was born, I AM.” (John 8:58) — and they tried to stone Him (John 8:59)

   •   “I and the Father are one.” (John 10:30) — again, they picked up stones (John 10:31–33)

   •   “Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father.” (John 14:9)

They understood exactly what He was claiming.

That’s why they wanted Him dead.

And that’s why the question still stands today.

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The Same Question Still Confronts Us

Does Jesus have the authority to forgive sins?

What must we do to be forgiven?

Is there any sin too great?

A modern testimony gives us the answer.

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A Modern Testimony of Forgiveness: John Ramirez

John Ramirez didn’t grow up in church. He grew up surrounded by violence, drugs, abuse, and spiritual darkness in New York City.

As a teenager, he became deeply involved in Satanism—eventually rising to a high level. He practiced witchcraft, performed rituals, and intentionally targeted Christians. He has openly shared that he tried to cast spells on believers and churches because he believed they were his enemy.

But even in that darkness, he was empty.

One night, everything changed.

John encountered Jesus—not religion, not ritual, but the living Christ. In that moment, he realized Jesus wasn’t just powerful—Jesus was God.

He became painfully aware of his sin and expected judgment.

Instead, he encountered mercy.

John cried out for forgiveness, and the chains broke. He describes it as immediate—darkness lifted, fear left, and peace entered his life for the first time.

The man who once tried to curse Christians was now forgiven by Christ.

No sin too dark.

No past too broken.

No bondage stronger than the authority of Jesus.

The same Jesus who said, “Son, your sins are forgiven” in that crowded house

forgave a former Satanist

and is still forgiving today.

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Reflection

1. Who do I believe Jesus truly is—and what am I doing with His authority?

2. Do I believe there are sins Jesus can’t forgive, or have I underestimated His mercy?

3. What would it look like for me to fully trust Jesus with my past, not just my future?

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Prayer

Jesus,

You are not just a teacher—you are God with authority to forgive sins.

Thank You that no sin is beyond Your mercy and no past beyond Your reach.

Help us trust You fully and walk in the freedom You offer.

Amen.

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Worship Response

🎵 “Nothing But the Blood” – Bethel Music

What can wash away our sins?

Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

— Living Water Vineyard 💧