[malakhi]

The question is where Jesus derived this power from.

From God, right?

I don't think he was just "communicating" forgiveness.

If his will was perfectly aligned with the Father's, then his saying "your sins are forgiven" would be the same as if the Father were saying this, no?

[SoothingDave]

The question is where Jesus derived this power from.

From God, right?

Because He was God. So He could speak for God, accept the repentence for God and give God's forgiveness.

I don't think he was just "communicating" forgiveness.

If his will was perfectly aligned with the Father's, then his saying "your sins are forgiven" would be the same as if the Father were saying this, no?

Yes.

Gotta go.

SD