3 when there came a party of people bringing a paralytic–four men carrying him.
4 Finding themselves unable, however, to bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they untiled the roof just over His head, and after clearing an opening they lowered the mat on which the paralytic was lying.
5 Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralytic, »My son, your sins are pardoned.«
6 Now there were some of the Scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts.
7 »Why does this man use such words?« they said; »he is blaspheming. Who can pardon sins but One–that is, God?«
8 At once perceiving by His spirit that they were reasoning within themselves, Jesus asked them, »Why do you thus argue in your minds?
9 Which is easier?–to say to this paralytic, Your sins are pardoned,' or to say, Rise, take up your mat, and walk?'
10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to pardon sins« –He turned to the paralytic, and said,
11 »To you I say, Rise, take up your mat and go home.'«
12 The man rose, and immediately under the eyes of all took up his mat and went out, so that they were all filled with astonishment, gave the glory to God, and said, »We never saw anything like this.«