Matthew 9:2-8

2Some 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.”

3But some of the teachers of religious law said to themselves, “That’s blasphemy! Does he think he’s God?”

4Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he asked them, “Why do you have such evil thoughts in your hearts?

5Is it easier to say ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Stand up and walk’?

6So I will prove to you that the Son of Man 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!”

7And the man jumped up and went home!

8Fear swept through the crowd as they saw this happen. And they praised God for giving humans such authority.