15
But all the more the report about Him spread abroad, and great multitudes crowded to hear Him and to be cured of their diseases;
16
but Jesus Himself constantly withdrew into the Desert and there prayed.
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One day He was teaching, and there were Pharisees and teachers of the Law sitting there who had come from every village in Galilee and Judaea and from Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was present for Him to cure people.
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And a party of men came carrying a palsied man on a bed, and they endeavoured to bring him in and lay him before Jesus.
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But when they could find no way of doing so because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down through the tiling--bed and all--into the midst, in front of Jesus.
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He saw their faith and said to him, "Friend, your sins are forgiven."
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Then the Scribes and Pharisees began to cavil, asking, "Who is this, uttering blasphemies? Who but God alone can forgive sins?"
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Well aware of their reasonings, Jesus answered their questions by asking in turn, "What is this that you are debating in your hearts?
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Which is easier? --to say, `Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, `Rise and walk'?
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But to prove to you that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins" --Turning to the paralytic He said, "I bid you, Rise, take up your bed, and go home."
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Instantly he stood up in their presence, took up the mattress on which he had been lying, and went away to his home, giving glory to God.