SON OF MAN / LUKE 5:24

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Luke 5:24

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.

The authority to forgive sins belongs to Jesus Christ, the Son of Man who walks with us in our humanity.

The Power to Heal and Forgive

In Luke 5:24, Jesus heals a paralyzed man to prove a profound reality: “But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins…” He didn’t just mend a broken body. He restored a broken soul.

The religious leaders of the day were scandalized. They knew that only God could forgive sins. By claiming this authority, Jesus was revealing His divine identity. Yet, He chose to call Himself the “Son of Man.”

Why “Son of Man”?

The “Son of Man” was the expression Jesus most often used to refer to Himself. It is likely He had adopted the expression from Daniel 7:13. Daniel used the title to describe a person he saw in a vision, one “like a son of man” coming with the clouds of heaven, who is given an everlasting kingdom.

In using this expression, Jesus is saying that He is the predicted Messiah sent by God. The phrase emphasizes Jesus’ humanity—the fact that God came to us through Christ—and His ability to relate to, help, and save us.

Jesus uses this title across the Gospels to reveal different facets of His mission:

As a substitute for “I” to show His humble walk on earth (Matthew 11:19)
When making important claims about His authority and purpose (Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45)
When predicting His death on the cross for our transgressions (Mark 9:44; 8:31; Matthew 17:22)
When speaking about His resurrection and victory over death (Matthew 17:9)
When referring to His glorious return to earth in final triumph (Matthew 24:27; Mark 13:26; 14:62)
When speaking of His role in judgment over all creation (Matthew 13:41)

Earthly Authority, Heavenly Grace

When you feel weighed down by guilt, shame, or physical brokenness, remember Luke 5:24. The Son of Man has authority on earth right now to forgive you. He understands your weaknesses because He became human, yet He possesses the ultimate power of God to make you whole. You can step into true freedom today.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus Christ, to dwell among us. We praise You, Jesus, as the Son of Man—our sympathetic High Priest who understands our human frailties, and our glorious King who holds all authority. Thank You for exercising Your power on earth to forgive our sins and heal our brokenness. Wash us clean today. Where we feel paralyzed by guilt, doubt, or fear, speak Your word of authority and bid us to rise and walk. May we live daily in the freedom of Your grace, looking forward to the day You return in the clouds with power and great glory.

In Jesus’ mighty name, we pray, Amen.

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