Jesus Heals the Paralyzed Man

A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that He had come home. So many gathered that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and He preached the word to them.

Four men came, carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. They wanted to bring their friend to Jesus, but they could not get him through the crowd. So they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it, and then lowered the mat the man was lying on.

When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralyzed man, 'Son, your sins are forgiven.'

Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, 'Why does this fellow talk like that? He's blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?'

Immediately Jesus knew in His spirit that this was what they were thinking. 'Why are you thinking these things?' He asked. 'Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, "Your sins are forgiven," or to say, "Get up, take your mat and walk"? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.'

Then He said to the paralyzed man, 'I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.'

Immediately the man got up, took his mat, and walked out in full view of them all. Everyone was amazed and praised God, saying, 'We have never seen anything like this!'

The four friends' determination broke through every barrier. The religious leaders' hearts remained closed even when the evidence stood and walked before them. And the paralyzed man received something greater than working legs—he received forgiveness from the only One who could give it.