1
Jesus climbed into a boat and went back across the lake to his own town.
2
Some people brought to him a paralyzed man on a mat. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “Be encouraged, my child! Your sins are forgiven.”
3
But some of the teachers of religious law said to themselves, “That’s blasphemy! Does he think he’s God?”
4
Jesus knew 1 what they were thinking, so he asked them, “Why do you have such evil thoughts in your hearts?
5
Is it easier to say ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Stand up and walk’?
6
So I will prove to you that the Son of Man 2 has the authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!”
7
And the man jumped up and went home!
8
Fear swept through the crowd as they saw this happen. And they praised God for sending a man with such great authority. 3