1
Several days later Jesus came back to Capernaum. The report went out that he was home.
2
Many people had gathered. There was no room left, even in front of the door. Jesus was speaking [God's] word to them.
3
Four men came to him carrying a paralyzed man.
4
Since they could not bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof over the place where Jesus was. Then they lowered the cot on which the paralyzed man was lying.
5
When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, "Friend, your sins are forgiven."
6
Some scribes were sitting there. They thought,
7
"Why does he talk this way? He's dishonoring God. Who besides God can forgive sins?"
8
At once, Jesus knew inwardly what they were thinking. He asked them, "Why do you have these thoughts?
9
Is it easier to say to this paralyzed man, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up, pick up your cot, and walk'?
10
I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins." Then he said to the paralyzed man,