Jesus Does What Only God Can Do
5 Divine Actions Performed by Jesus
Forgiving sins, giving life, judging humanity, granting eternal life — these are things only God can do.
Mark 2:5-7 — Jesus Forgives Sins
“And Jesus seeing their faith said to the paralytic, 'Son, your sins are forgiven.' But some of the scribes were sitting there and reasoning in their hearts, 'Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming; who can forgive sins but God alone?'”
— LSB
Why It Matters:
The scribes were correct: only God can forgive sins against God. Jesus demonstrated His authority to forgive by healing the paralytic (v. 10-11), thus proving His deity.
Key Points:
- •The scribes understood the implications: forgiving sins is God's prerogative
- •Jesus didn't say 'God forgives your sins' — He said 'Your sins are forgiven' on His own authority
- •Jesus proved His authority by the miracle: 'so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins'
John 5:21 — Jesus Gives Life
“For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son also gives life to whom He wishes.”
— LSB
Why It Matters:
Giving life is God's prerogative. Jesus gives life 'to whom He wishes' — exercising divine sovereignty.
John 5:22 — Jesus Is the Judge
“For not even the Father judges anyone, but He has given all judgment to the Son,”
— LSB
Why It Matters:
Throughout the Old Testament, Yahweh is the Judge of all the earth (Genesis 18:25; Psalm 50:6). The Father has given this divine prerogative to the Son.
John 10:28 — Jesus Gives Eternal Life
“and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand.”
— LSB
Why It Matters:
Only God can give eternal life. Jesus claims to give it directly.
John 11:25 — 'I Am the Resurrection and the Life'
“Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies,'”
— LSB
Why It Matters:
Jesus doesn't just give resurrection; He is the resurrection. Life itself resides in Him.
What These Actions Prove
The scribes had it right: only God can forgive sins. Only God can give life. Only God can judge all humanity. Only God can grant eternal life. Yet Jesus does all of these things — not as an agent relaying God's actions, but on His own authority. "The Son gives life to whom He wishes." "I give eternal life to them." "I am the resurrection and the life." These are claims that only God can make.