Jesus and Forgiveness: How Many Times Did He Say ‘Your Sins are Forgiven’?

How many times did Jesus explicitly say “your sins are forgiven”?

In the Gospels we find several beautiful instances where our Lord Jesus explicitly pronounces forgiveness of sins. While the exact phrasing may vary slightly, there are at least four clear occasions recorded where Christ declares sins forgiven:

First, in the Gospel of Mark, when Jesus heals the paralytic man lowered through the roof, He says, “Son, your sins are forgiven” (Mark 2:5). This same account is also recorded in Matthew 9:2 and Luke 5:20.

Secondly, in Luke’s Gospel, we encounter the moving story of the sinful woman who anoints Jesus’ feet. To her, our merciful Lord proclaims, “Your sins are forgiven” (Luke 7:48).

Thirdly, though not using the exact words, Jesus tells the woman caught in adultery, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on sin no more” (John 8:11). While not explicitly stating “your sins are forgiven,” this merciful response clearly implies forgiveness.

Lastly, on the cross, our Savior cries out, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). Though not directed at a specific individual, this powerful act of forgiveness encompasses all humanity.

Beyond these explicit declarations, we must remember that Jesus’ entire ministry was one of forgiveness and reconciliation. His parables, His teachings, and His very presence among us all speak to God’s boundless mercy. As Saint John reminds us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

Let us always approach our Lord with contrite and humble hearts, trusting in His infinite capacity to forgive and heal our souls(Campbell, 2014; Speckman, 2015).

How do these instances of forgiveness relate to Jesus’ overall mission and ministry?

These beautiful moments of forgiveness are not isolated events, but rather they form the very heart of our Lord Jesus Christ’s mission and ministry on earth. His acts of forgiveness are intrinsically linked to His ultimate purpose – to reconcile humanity with God and to establish the Kingdom of Heaven among us.

We must understand that Jesus’ mission was fundamentally one of salvation. As the angel declared to Joseph, “You shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). In forgiving sins, Jesus was fulfilling this divine mandate, bringing God’s mercy directly to those in need of spiritual healing.

Secondly, these acts of forgiveness demonstrate the authority of Christ. When Jesus forgave the paralytic man, He explicitly stated, “But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins…” (Mark 2:10). This assertion of divine authority was central to Jesus’ revelation of His true identity as the Son of God.

Jesus’ forgiveness of sins was often accompanied by physical healing, illustrating the holistic nature of His ministry. He came to restore not just our souls, but our whole beings. As Pope Benedict XVI beautifully expressed, “Healing is an essential dimension of the apostolic mission and of Christian faith in general. It can even be said that Christianity is a ‘therapeutic religion, a religion of healing.’”

These instances of forgiveness prefigure the sacrament of Reconciliation that Jesus would institute for His Church. By forgiving sins during His earthly ministry, our Lord was preparing the way for the ongoing ministry of forgiveness that would continue through His Church.

Lastly, and perhaps most profoundly, Jesus’ acts of forgiveness reveal the very nature of God’s love. They show us a God who is not distant or indifferent, but One who actively seeks out the lost and broken to offer them healing and restoration. As Pope Francis has often reminded us, “God never tires of forgiving us; we are the ones who tire of seeking His mercy.”

In all these ways, the instances of Jesus forgiving sins are not peripheral to His mission, but are at its very core. They embody the Good News that in Christ, God’s forgiveness and love are freely offered to all who seek Him with sincere hearts(Amarkwei, 2023; Campbell, 2014; Speckman, 2015).

What was the significance of Jesus forgiving sins in the cultural and religious context of His time?

To truly appreciate the powerful impact of Jesus forgiving sins, we must understand the cultural and religious landscape of His time. In first-century Judaism, the concept of sin and forgiveness was deeply rooted in the covenant relationship between God and His people.

In the Jewish tradition, only God had the authority to forgive sins. The Temple in Jerusalem was the central place where sacrifices were offered for the atonement of sins. When Jesus declared sins forgiven, He was, claiming a divine prerogative. This is why the scribes and Pharisees were often scandalized, asking, “Who can forgive sins but God alone?” (Mark 2:7).

Secondly, Jesus’ acts of forgiveness often bypassed the established religious institutions and rituals. Instead of requiring people to offer sacrifices at the Temple, Jesus offered forgiveness directly, challenging the mediatory role of the priesthood. This was a radical departure from the norm and a sign of the new covenant He was establishing.

Jesus often forgave those who were considered outcasts or “sinners” by society – tax collectors, prostitutes, and those afflicted with diseases seen as divine punishment. By doing so, He was challenging the prevailing notions of who was worthy of God’s forgiveness and love. As Pope Francis has often reminded us, “God’s mercy can make even the driest land become a garden, can restore life to dry bones.”

Jesus linked forgiveness with faith and love, rather than with strict adherence to the Law. When He forgave the sinful woman who anointed His feet, He said, “Her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much” (Luke 7:47). This emphasis on the interior disposition of the heart was a major shift from the more external focus of many religious practices of the time.

Lastly, Jesus’ forgiveness of sins was often accompanied by a call to transformation – “Go and sin no more” (John 8:11). This highlighted the restorative nature of God’s forgiveness, aimed not just at wiping away past wrongs, but at renewing the whole person.

In all these ways, Jesus’ acts of forgiving sins were profoundly major. They revealed a new understanding of God’s relationship with humanity, challenged existing religious structures, and paved the way for the new covenant that would be sealed with His own blood on the cross. As we contemplate these truths, let us be ever grateful for the boundless mercy of our Lord, who continues to offer His forgiveness to all who seek Him with sincere hearts(Amarkwei, 2023; Campbell, 2014; Speckman, 2015).

How did Jesus’ authority to forgive sins challenge the religious leaders of His day?

We must understand that in Jewish tradition, the authority to forgive sins belonged to God alone. When Jesus declared, “Son, your sins are forgiven” (Mark 2:5), He was, in the eyes of the religious leaders, usurping divine prerogative. The scribes’ immediate reaction was telling: “Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” (Mark 2:7). Jesus’ claim to this authority was, a claim to divinity – a notion that was deeply unsettling and even scandalous to many.

Secondly, Jesus’ forgiveness of sins challenged the established system of atonement. The Temple in Jerusalem, with its elaborate system of sacrifices overseen by the priesthood, was the center of Jewish religious life. By forgiving sins directly, without recourse to Temple sacrifices, Jesus was implicitly questioning the necessity of these long-established rituals. This was not merely a theological dispute, but a challenge to the very institutions that gave the religious leaders their authority and power.

Jesus often extended forgiveness to those considered “sinners” by the religious elite – tax collectors, prostitutes, and others on the margins of society. In doing so, He challenged the prevailing notions of who was worthy of God’s forgiveness. This radical inclusivity threatened the social order that the religious leaders sought to maintain.

Jesus linked forgiveness with faith rather than with strict adherence to the Law. When He healed the paralytic, He said, “Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’?” (Matthew 9:5). By connecting spiritual healing (forgiveness) with physical healing, Jesus was demonstrating a holistic understanding of salvation that went beyond the legalistic framework of many religious leaders.

Lastly, Jesus’ authority to forgive sins was part of His broader message about the imminent arrival of God’s Kingdom. This proclamation challenged the religious leaders’ understanding of how and when God would act in history, and their role in that divine plan.

In all these ways, Jesus’ authority to forgive sins was not just a theological claim, but a radical reimagining of humanity’s relationship with God. It challenged the mediatory role of the religious establishment, questioned long-held beliefs about sin and forgiveness, and ultimately pointed to Jesus’ own divine identity.

As Pope Benedict XVI wisely noted, “Jesus’ entire mission was aimed at giving the Spirit to men and baptizing them in the ‘bath’ of regeneration.” This mission, centered on forgiveness and reconciliation, continues to challenge us today to be agents of God’s mercy in a world so desperately in need of healing and hope(Amarkwei, 2023; Campbell, 2014; Queralt, 2023; Speckman, 2015).

Are there differences in how Jesus forgave sins across the four Gospels?

All four Gospels present Jesus as having the authority to forgive sins, a clear indication of His divine nature. This consistency underscores the centrality of forgiveness in Jesus’ mission and the early Church’s understanding of His identity.

In the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), we find the account of Jesus healing the paralytic man and forgiving his sins (Matthew 9:2-8, Mark 2:1-12, Luke 5:17-26). While the core of the story remains the same, there are subtle differences. Mark’s account, believed to be the earliest, provides the most detailed narrative. Matthew’s version is more concise, while Luke adds details about the crowd and the Pharisees present.

Luke’s Gospel, in particular, places a strong emphasis on Jesus’ ministry of forgiveness. Only in Luke do we find the beautiful parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32), which powerfully illustrates God’s forgiving love. Luke also uniquely records Jesus’ forgiveness of the sinful woman who anointed His feet (Luke 7:36-50), highlighting the connection between love and forgiveness.

The Gospel of John, while not using the explicit phrase “your sins are forgiven,” presents Jesus’ ministry of forgiveness in a more symbolic and theological manner. For instance, in the story of the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11), Jesus’ words “Neither do I condemn you” imply forgiveness without explicitly stating it. John’s Gospel also emphasizes the theme of new life and regeneration, which is closely linked to the concept of forgiveness.

Only in John’s Gospel do we find Jesus breathing on His disciples and saying, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them” (John 20:22-23). This passage uniquely connects the authority to forgive sins with the gift of the Holy Spirit and the mission of the Church.

While the Synoptic Gospels often present Jesus forgiving sins in the context of physical healing, John tends to focus more on spiritual transformation and eternal life.

Despite these nuances, the message remains consistent across all four Gospels: Jesus, as the Son of God, has the authority to forgive sins, and this forgiveness is central to His mission of salvation and reconciliation.

As Pope Francis has beautifully expressed, “God never tires of forgiving us; we are the ones who tire of seeking His mercy.” Let us, therefore, continually turn to our merciful Lord, who in all four Gospels invites us to experience the transformative power of His forgiveness(Amarkwei, 2023; Benson, 2021; Campbell, 2014; Speckman, 2015).

What is the connection between Jesus forgiving sins and physical healing in the Gospel accounts?

When we examine the Gospel accounts, we see a powerful and intimate connection between Jesus’ forgiveness of sins and His acts of physical healing. This connection reveals to us the holistic nature of Christ’s salvific mission – to heal both body and soul.

In many Gospel stories, we find Jesus addressing both the physical and spiritual needs of those who come to Him. For instance, in the account of the paralytic man lowered through the roof (Mark 2:1-12), Jesus first says to the man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Only after this does He command the man to rise, take up his mat, and walk. This sequence is major, for it shows us that Jesus prioritizes spiritual healing even as He attends to physical needs(McBrien, 1994).

We see this pattern repeated in other healing narratives. When Jesus heals the woman with the issue of blood, He tells her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well” (Mark 5:34). Here, the physical healing is intimately tied to the woman’s faith and her spiritual restoration(McBrien, 1994).

These accounts reveal to us that Jesus sees the human person as a unity of body and spirit. He understands that physical ailments often have spiritual roots, and that true healing must address both dimensions of our being. As the Psalmist says, “Bless the Lord, O my soul… who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases” (Psalm 103:2-3).

These healing stories serve as signs of Jesus’ divine authority. When He forgives sins and heals bodies, He is demonstrating His power over both the visible and invisible realms. This is why the scribes react with such shock when Jesus forgives the paralytic’s sins – they recognize that only God has the authority to forgive sins(McBrien, 1994).

In all of this, we see that Jesus’ ministry of forgiveness and healing prefigures the sacramental life of the Church. Just as Jesus used physical signs (touch, mud, spittle) to effect spiritual realities, so too does the Church use material elements (water, oil, bread, wine) to convey God’s grace(Church, 2000).

How does Jesus’ forgiveness of sins compare to Old Testament concepts of forgiveness?

In the Old Testament, forgiveness of sins was intimately connected to the sacrificial system established by God through Moses. The Book of Leviticus outlines various offerings and rituals for the atonement of sins. For instance, we read, “When a man is guilty in any of these, he shall confess the sin he has committed, and he shall bring his guilt offering to the Lord for the sin which he has committed… and the priest shall make atonement for him for his sin” (Leviticus 5:5-6)(Burke-Sivers, 2015).

This system required the mediation of priests and the offering of animal sacrifices. It was a way for the people to express their repentance and seek God’s forgiveness. But it was also limited in scope and had to be repeated regularly.

Jesus, in His ministry, both affirms and transcends this Old Testament concept. He declares, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them but to fulfill them” (Matthew 5:17)(Burke-Sivers, 2015). In His person and work, Jesus becomes the ultimate High Priest and the perfect sacrifice.

When Jesus forgives sins, He does so with a directness and authority that astonishes His contemporaries. He does not require animal sacrifices or elaborate rituals. Instead, He speaks words of forgiveness directly to individuals, often in connection with physical healing, as we discussed earlier(McBrien, 1994).

Jesus emphasizes the importance of faith and repentance in receiving forgiveness. He tells the sinful woman in Luke 7, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace” (Luke 7:50)((III) & Witherington, 1990). This focus on the inner disposition of the heart, rather than external rituals alone, echoes the prophetic tradition of the Old Testament, which called for sincere repentance and a change of heart.

Jesus also expands the scope of forgiveness. While the Old Testament system was primarily for the people of Israel, Jesus extends God’s forgiveness to all, including Gentiles and those considered “unclean” by Jewish law. We see this beautifully illustrated in His encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:1-42).

Perhaps most significantly, Jesus connects the forgiveness of sins directly to His own person and mission. He declares that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins (Mark 2:10), and at the Last Supper, He speaks of His blood being poured out for the forgiveness of sins (Matthew 26:28). In this way, Jesus reveals Himself as the fulfillment of all the Old Testament sacrifices and the source of true and lasting forgiveness.

What role does faith play in the instances where Jesus forgives sins?

Throughout the Gospels, we see Jesus consistently emphasizing the importance of faith. He often says to those He heals, “Your faith has made you well” or “According to your faith be it done to you” (Matthew 9:29). This connection between faith and healing extends to the forgiveness of sins as well(McBrien, 1994).

Consider the story of the paralytic man lowered through the roof (Mark 2:1-12). The Gospel tells us that “when Jesus saw their faith,” He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Here, we see that it is not only the faith of the individual but also the faith of his friends that moves Jesus to act. This reminds us of the communal aspect of faith and how we are called to support one another in our journey towards healing and forgiveness(McBrien, 1994).

In the account of the sinful woman who anoints Jesus’ feet (Luke 7:36-50), we see a beautiful illustration of how faith, love, and forgiveness are intertwined. Jesus says to her, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” Her actions of love and devotion are seen as expressions of her faith, which in turn becomes the channel through which she receives forgiveness((III) & Witherington, 1990).

The faith Jesus speaks of is not merely intellectual assent to certain truths. Rather, it is a deep trust and reliance on God’s mercy and power. It involves recognizing one’s need for forgiveness and turning to Jesus with hope and expectation. This kind of faith opens the heart to receive God’s forgiveness and transforming grace.

Faith plays a crucial role in the ongoing life of forgiveness. Jesus teaches us to pray, “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” (Matthew 6:12). This requires faith – faith that God will forgive us, and faith to extend that same forgiveness to others. It is through faith that we are able to live out the forgiveness we have received(Burke-Sivers, 2015).

We must also remember that faith is itself a gift from God. As Pope Francis reminds us, “Faith is not a light which scatters all our darkness, but a lamp which guides our steps in the night and suffices for the journey.” When we struggle to believe, we can pray like the father in Mark’s Gospel, “I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24)(Francis, 2015).

Let us be encouraged that Jesus does not demand perfect faith before He forgives. He meets us where we are, nurturing even the smallest seed of faith. The Gospels show us people coming to Jesus with all kinds of faith – some strong, some weak, some desperate, some curious. In each case, Jesus responds with compassion and power.

How do Jesus’ words of forgiveness apply to believers today?

Jesus’ words of forgiveness assure us of God’s boundless mercy and love. When Jesus says, “Your sins are forgiven” (Mark 2:5), He is speaking not only to the paralytic but to each one of us. These words remind us that no matter how far we may have strayed, no matter how heavy our burdens of guilt and shame, God’s forgiveness is always available to us. As Pope Francis often reminds us, “God never tires of forgiving us; we are the ones who tire of seeking his mercy”(Francis, 2015).

Jesus’ forgiveness challenges us to extend that same mercy to others. Remember His words in the Lord’s Prayer: “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us” (Matthew 6:12). This is not a mere suggestion, but a fundamental principle of Christian life. When we truly understand and accept God’s forgiveness, it should naturally flow out from us to others(Burke-Sivers, 2015).

The forgiveness offered by Jesus also brings healing and restoration. In many Gospel accounts, forgiveness is closely linked with physical and emotional healing. This teaches us that God’s forgiveness is not just about wiping away guilt, but about restoring us to wholeness in every aspect of our being. When we experience forgiveness, we should expect and pray for healing in our relationships, our emotions, and even our physical bodies(McBrien, 1994).

Jesus’ words of forgiveness empower us to break free from the cycle of sin. When He forgives the woman caught in adultery, He tells her, “Go, and sin no more” (John 8:11). This shows us that forgiveness is not permission to continue in sin, but rather a call and an empowerment to live a new life. It gives us the courage and strength to face our weaknesses and strive for holiness(Cloud & Townsend, 2009).

In our modern context, Jesus’ forgiveness speaks powerfully to issues of guilt, shame, and self-worth. Many people today struggle with feelings of worthlessness and the inability to forgive themselves. Jesus’ words remind us that our value is not determined by our mistakes or failures, but by God’s love for us. His forgiveness can heal even the deepest wounds of self-loathing and restore our sense of dignity as children of God(Wainwright, 2006).

It’s also important to remember that Jesus often linked forgiveness with faith. His words, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace” (Luke 7:50), remind us that receiving forgiveness is an act of faith. We are called to trust in God’s mercy, even when we feel unworthy or when our emotions tell us otherwise((III) & Witherington, 1990).

Finally, Jesus’ forgiveness, as lived out in the Church today, takes on a sacramental dimension. In the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we hear the words of absolution spoken by the priest, who acts in the person of Christ. These words are a direct continuation of Jesus’ ministry of forgiveness, making His mercy tangibly present to us here and now(Church, 2000).

Let us take heart in knowing that Jesus’ words of forgiveness are not confined to the pages of Scripture, but are living and active in our world today. May we always approach Him with trust, ready to receive His forgiveness and to share it with others. And may we, like the woman at Simon’s house, respond to His forgiveness with gratitude and love, allowing it to transform every aspect of our lives.

What is the relationship between Jesus forgiving sins and the sacrament of confession in some Christian traditions?

The relationship between Jesus forgiving sins in the Gospels and the sacrament of confession (also known as the Sacrament of Reconciliation or Penance) in certain Christian traditions, particularly in the Catholic and Orthodox Churches, is one of direct continuity and divine institution.

This connection is rooted in Jesus’ words to His apostles after His resurrection: “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained” (John 20:22-23). With these words, Jesus entrusted to His apostles the ministry of reconciliation, giving them the authority to forgive sins in His name(Akin, 2010; McBrien, 1994).

The Church understands this commission as the foundation of the sacrament of confession. Just as Jesus forgave sins directly during His earthly ministry, He continues to forgive sins through the ministry of the Church. The priest, acting in persona Christi (in the person of Christ), becomes the instrument through which Christ’s forgiveness is communicated to the penitent(Church, 2000).

This sacramental understanding of forgiveness maintains the personal encounter with Christ that we see in the Gospel accounts. When a person confesses their sins to a priest, they are not merely telling their sins to another human being, but they are bringing their sins before Christ Himself. The words of absolution spoken by the priest – “I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” – are understood to be Christ’s own words of forgiveness(Burke-Sivers, 2015).

The sacrament of confession reflects the holistic nature of Jesus’ forgiveness in the Gospels. Just as Jesus often linked the forgiveness of sins with physical healing, the Church sees the sacrament of confession as a means of healing for the soul. It is a “sacrament of healing” that not only forgives sins but also provides grace to strengthen the penitent against future sin(Francis, 2015).

The emphasis on faith that we see in Jesus’ ministry is also present in the sacrament of confession. The penitent must approach the sacrament with faith in God’s mercy and a sincere desire for forgiveness. As in the Gospel accounts, it is this faith that opens the heart to receive God’s forgiveness((III) & Witherington, 1990).

The sacrament also maintains the communal aspect of forgiveness that we see in Jesus’ ministry. While confession is typically made privately to a priest, it is understood as a reconciliation not only with God but also with the Church community. The priest represents both Christ and the Church, emphasizing that sin affects not only our relationship with God but also our relationship with the community of believers(Francis, 2015).

The sacrament of confession has evolved over time in its practical expression. In the early Church, confession was often public and performed only once in a lifetime for serious sins. Over time, it developed into the private, repeatable sacrament we know today. But its essence as a continuation of Christ’s ministry of forgiveness has remained constant(McBrien, 1994).

For those who participate in this sacrament, it provides a tangible assurance of God’s forgiveness. Just as those who encountered Jesus in the Gospels heard His words of forgiveness directly, so too do penitents hear the words of absolution spoken aloud. This can be particularly comforting for those struggling with guilt or doubt(Cloud & Townsend, 2009; Wainwright, 2006).

Whether or not our tradition includes the sacrament of confession, we can all take comfort in knowing that Christ’s power to forgive sins continues in the world today. His mercy is as available to us now as it was to those He encountered in His earthly ministry. May we always approach Him with trust and openness, ready to receive His forgiveness and to extend that same forgiveness to others. And may we, like the tax collector in the temple, never cease to pray, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner” (Luke 18:13).