18 Some men brought a sick man on his bed. The man could not move his arms or legs. They tried to bring him in and put him in front of Jesus.
19 But they could not get in the house where Jesus was, because there were so many people. So they went up on the roof. Then through a hole in the roof they let down the bed with the sick man on it, until he was in front of Jesus.
20 Jesus saw that they believed he would be healed. So he said to him, Man, the wrong things you have done are forgiven.
21 The scribes and Pharisees began to talk about this. They said, Who is this man that is not giving respect to God? No one but God can forgive anyone for the wrong things they have done.
22 Jesus knew what they were thinking. He said, Why do you think these wrong things in your hearts?
23 Which is easier, to say, "The wrong things you have done are forgiven," or to say, "Get up and walk"?
24 I want you to know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive wrong things people have done. So he said to the sick man, I tell you, get up. Take up your bed and go home.
25 Right away the man stood up in front of them. He took up his bed and went home praising God.