Jesus Forgives and Heals a Paralyzed Man

1 Jesus stepped into a boat, crossed over and came to his own town. 2 Some men brought to him a paralyzed man, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.”

3 At this, some of the teachers of the law said to themselves, “This fellow is blaspheming!”

4 Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, “Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts? 5 Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? 6 But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the paralyzed man, “Get up, take your mat and go home.” 7 Then the man got up and went home. 8 When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe; and they praised God, who had given such authority to man. Matthew 9:1-7

A powerful statement. A powerful offensive statement. Upsetting religious leaders.

No one claims this. He did. “Your sins are forgiven.”

Pompous, arrogant, proud; they righteously puffed up. “He’s offended God!”

He knew their thoughts, He knows ours. The same yesterday-today.

The man, a sinner needing grace. Only God forgives sin.

Everyone knows only God can forgive sin. For humans impossible.

Was Jesus truly God? No human can make paralyzed walk.

No human can do either…forgive sin or heal the paralyzed.

Forgiven sins remain invisible. Not a paralyzed man who walks.

Their response to Jesus? Awe and praise. See His power.