Mark 2:5-12

5Jesus saw the man and his friends. He knew that they believed in him. So he said to the man who could not walk, ‘My friend, I forgive you for your sins.’

6But some teachers of God's Law were sitting there. They thought about the words that Jesus had spoken to the man.

7They thought, ‘This man Jesus should not have said that. He is speaking as if he is God. Only God can forgive people for their sins.’

8Immediately, Jesus knew in his spirit what the teachers were thinking. He said to them, ‘You should not think these things.

9I said to this man who cannot walk, “I forgive you for your sins.” Instead, I could have said to him, “Stand up! Pick up your mat and walk.” Which of those is easier for me to say?

10But I want you to know this. I, the Son of Man, have authority on earth to forgive people for their sins.’ Then he said to the man who could not walk,

11‘I am saying to you, stand up! Pick up your mat and go home.’

12Immediately, the man stood up. He picked up his mat and he walked out of the house. Everyone watched him do this. The people were very surprised. They praised God and they said, ‘God is great. We have never seen anything like this before.’