Study Desk

Jesus stepped into a boat, crossed over and came to his own town.

Some men brought to him a paralytic, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven."

At this, some of the teachers of the law said to themselves, "This fellow is blaspheming!"

Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, "Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts?

Which is easier: to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk'?

But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins...." Then he said to the paralytic, "Get up, take your mat and go home."

And the man got up and went home.

When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe; and they praised God, who had given such authority to men.