Powerful Proof of a Powerful Savior

The Purpose of Luke's Gospel

Remember the purpose of the gospel of Luke—Luke's record of what happened with Jesus Christ. Jesus is our Savior. He came for the purpose of saving us from our sins, and much of what he did and said is recorded for us in the four gospels. This is Luke's version, presenting these things as he stated in the beginning to Theophilus, probably a Roman official of high status. Luke writes to give us an orderly account, helping us have assurance and certainty regarding what happened with Jesus Christ.

This is so we can know what happened, have an authentic account, understand and trust the things about Jesus, and ultimately have assurance in our salvation. We can trust that we actually have forgiveness of sins because we have the historical record of what happened with Jesus.

Two Kinds of People

The gospel of Luke depicts two kinds of people who respond to the historical account of Jesus—both in his day and in ours. One group sees what Jesus did and gets excited about him. They accept Jesus because they know he is here to forgive their sins.

The second group is interesting. Many came to Jesus, believed in him to a certain extent, trusted him as someone who worked miracles and was popular. They were enthralled with what Jesus could do physically but did not accept him as the Messiah or Savior from their sins. This group outright rejected Jesus, even if they followed or listened to him at times.

Pay close attention to these two categories as we go through Luke. Ask yourself: Which group do you belong to? Are you in the group that likes the idea of Jesus—what he can do for your situations, healing people or turning circumstances around? But you're not concerned about your sins. You don't want Jesus to take them away because that would mean giving up things you cherish, even if the Bible calls them sinful and worthy of eternal damnation?

Or has God granted you revelation of your own sinfulness? Your concern is not changing circumstances or physical healing, but that sin is the most horrific thing in your life. Eternity without God is horrific, and you love the idea of Jesus because he is your Savior.

Miracles as Proof

Now we're seeing more of Jesus's ministry—miracles, supernatural breakthroughs in creation where impossible things happen. Take the calling of Simon, James, and John, seasoned fishermen who toiled all night without catching anything. At Jesus's word, they enclose a large number of fish, nets breaking, boats sinking. That's supernatural for professionals who know Lake Gennesaret (the Sea of Galilee).

But when Simon Peter saw that, he fell down at Jesus's knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!”

Jesus says, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” They left everything and followed him.

Jesus warns that it's a wicked generation seeking a sign, yet he performs miracles. Why? Not for entertainment or to dazzle, like in Nazareth where people wanted a show, reminiscent of Ezekiel treated as an entertainer despite preaching God's word.

People can come to church for entertainment, even in biblical churches preaching the gospel. But we're here for Jesus Christ and forgiveness of sins.

The miracles aren't to establish Jesus as a miracle-worker for everyone. When he fed the 5,000, crowds followed for more miracles, but Jesus confronted them: you're here for miracles, not eternal life.

Jesus's miracles are parabolic—real events pointing to greater spiritual significance. They prove not just that Jesus is powerful to do miracles (he still can today), but more significantly, that he can forgive sins. Physical miracles mean nothing if someone dies in their sins.

The Leper's Cleansing

While he was in one of the cities, there came a man full of leprosy. And when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and begged him, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately the leprosy left him.

And he charged him to tell no one, but “go and show yourself to the priest and make an offering for your cleansing, as Moses commanded, for a proof to them.”

Leprosy was incurable, horrific, contagious—victims were outcasts. This man, full of leprosy, falls before Jesus like Peter, calling him Lord. Jesus cleanses him and sends him to the priest with an offering as proof—not just physical cleansing, but spiritual, from sin, per Mosaic law.

Jesus tells him not to tell anyone, controlling the timing of his death and avoiding crowds seeking signs. He withdraws to pray. News spreads anyway, crowds gather for healing.

The Paralytic's Forgiveness

And when Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” ... “Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the man who was paralyzed—“I say to you, rise, pick up your bed and go home.” And immediately he rose up before them...

Friends tear through the roof to lower the paralytic. Jesus sees their faith and forgives sins first. Pharisees cry blasphemy—only God forgives sins. Jesus perceives their thoughts: easier to say “rise and walk” (visible) or “sins forgiven” (invisible)? He heals to prove authority to forgive sins.

The man rises immediately, glorifies God. Amazement seizes all: “We have seen extraordinary things today”—the forgiveness of sins.

Calling Levi and Responding to Critics

Jesus calls tax collector Levi: “Follow me.” He leaves everything. Levi feasts with Jesus and other tax collectors and sinners. Pharisees grumble.

“Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”

Jesus isn't calling the self-righteous who think they're fine without him, but sinners who recognize their need. Levi, despised for extortion, drops everything on two words. He invites his sinner friends to meet Jesus—not ashamed, unlike the religious elite.

Do you think you need Jesus, or are you fine without him?

Miracles Point to Salvation

Why are people more excited about miracle testimonies than forgiveness of sins? Miracles entertain visibly; forgiveness is by faith, seen in deeds (James) but happens invisibly before God (Paul). Works-based religions thrive on visible deeds for justification.

Jesus's miracles prove he is Messiah who forgives sins—like fish symbolizing catching men, leprosy and paralysis showing power over sin. Right responses: falling in worship, confessing sin, following completely. Miracles expose our sinfulness, leading us to bow before Jesus as Lord and Savior.