18
Some men arrived carrying a paraplegic on a stretcher. They were looking for a way to get into the house and set him before Jesus.
19
When they couldn't find a way in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof, removed some tiles, and let him down in the middle of everyone, right in front of Jesus.
20
Impressed by their bold belief, he said, "Friend, I forgive your sins."
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.