Here are the first signs of opposition to Jesus and His ministry. “Who can forgive sins but God alone?” this was the question. Some considered Jesus to be speaking blasphemies. Their understanding was true, but their application of who Jesus is was wrong. It is God alone who can forgive sins; this is true. If Jesus were just a man, He would have been speaking falsely. The application and what Mark is inviting us to understand is that Jesus is not just another man. He is God with us.