Theme: Forgiveness of sins. In the First Lesson God identifies himself as the one who "blots out your transgressions." In the Gospel Jesus heals the paralytic by pronouncing the forgiveness of his sins.

COMMENTARY

Old Testament: Isaiah 43:18-25
The prophet announces that the Lord is about to accomplish a new thing: he will free Israel from captivity and restore them to a more idyllic existence. The image here is that of a new Exodus, as God provides for his people, as he leads and guides them back home (vv. 19-20). God will be gracious, even though the worship of his people has been deficient. Using imagery from the law court, Yahweh promises to blot out his people's sins (v. 25).

Epistle: 2 Corinthians 1:18-22
Paul's critics accuse him of being vacillating. He retorts by asserting the …