One day when Jesus was teaching, some Pharisees and teachers of the Law were sitting there who had come from every town in Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem. The power of the Lord was present for Jesus to heal the sick.

The others sitting at the table began to say to themselves, "Who is this, who even forgives sins?"

Some teachers of the Law who were sitting there thought to themselves,

"How does he dare talk like this? This is blasphemy! God is the only one who can forgive sins!"

and be put to death. Any Israelite or any foreigner living in Israel who curses the LORD shall be stoned to death by the whole community.

Get a couple of scoundrels to accuse him to his face of cursing God and the king. Then take him out of the city and stone him to death."

They proclaimed a day of fasting, called the people together, and gave Naboth the place of honor.

The message was sent to Jezebel: "Naboth has been put to death."

Then some teachers of the Law said to themselves, "This man is speaking blasphemy!"

At this the High Priest tore his clothes and said, "Blasphemy! We don't need any more witnesses! You have just heard his blasphemy!

They answered, "We do not want to stone you because of any good deeds, but because of your blasphemy! You are only a man, but you are trying to make yourself God!"

So they bribed some men to say, "We heard him speaking against Moses and against God!"

Then they brought in some men to tell lies about him. "This man," they said, "is always talking against our sacred Temple and the Law of Moses.

The LORD then passed in front of him and called out, "I, the LORD, am a God who is full of compassion and pity, who is not easily angered and who shows great love and faithfulness.

I keep my promise for thousands of generations and forgive evil and sin; but I will not fail to punish children and grandchildren to the third and fourth generation for the sins of their parents."

Then I confessed my sins to you; I did not conceal my wrongdoings. I decided to confess them to you, and you forgave all my sins.

May they be like straw blown by the wind as the angel of the LORD pursues them!

He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases.

But you forgive us, so that we should stand in awe of you.

The LORD says, "Now, let's settle the matter. You are stained red with sin, but I will wash you as clean as snow. Although your stains are deep red, you will be as white as wool.

And yet, I am the God who forgives your sins, and I do this because of who I am. I will not hold your sins against you.

I have swept your sins away like a cloud. Come back to me; I am the one who saves you."

You are merciful and forgiving, although we have rebelled against you.

Lord, hear us. Lord, forgive us. Lord, listen to us, and act! In order that everyone will know that you are God, do not delay! This city and these people are yours."

You will be merciful to us once again. You will trample our sins underfoot and send them to the bottom of the sea!

Who will accuse God's chosen people? God himself declares them not guilty!