Knowing The Word in Matthew 9

Jesus Heals a Paralytic

1 And getting into a boat he crossed over and came to his own city [Capernaum]. 2 And behold, some people brought to him a paralytic, lying on a bed. [Where is the hole in the roof? You need to read Mark for the details.] And when Jesus saw their faith [who are they and what role does faith play?], he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.” [Does he want forgiveness or healing? Is illness/disease/ disability related to/caused by sin?] 3 And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” [This is the first recorded opposition to Jesus in Matthew. Why do they oppose him?] 4 But Jesus, knowing their thoughts [how does he know?], said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? 5 For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? [Which one is easier and why?] 6 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth [Jesus brings to earth the authority of God] to forgive sins”—he then said to the paralytic—“Rise, pick up your bed and go home.” 7 And he rose and went home. [Jesus brings an immediate cure.] 8 When the crowds saw it, they were afraid, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to men.