4
When they weren't able to get in because of the crowd, they removed part of the roof and lowered the paraplegic on his stretcher.
5
Impressed by their bold belief, Jesus said to the paraplegic, "Son, I forgive your sins."
6
Some religion scholars sitting there started whispering among themselves,
7
"He can't talk that way! That's blasphemy! God and only God can forgive sins."
8
Jesus knew right away what they were thinking, and said, "Why are you so skeptical?
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.