Mark 2:1-12

JESUS went to Capernaum and word got around that he was there. At once many began to assemble, so much so that there was no more room, not even at the door. He was preaching the Word to them when four people arrived carrying a paralytic. The house was too crowded to come near to him, so they uncovered the roof above where he was and broke through. Then they lowered the mat that the paralytic was lying on. When JESUS saw their faith, he told the paralytic that his sins were forgiven. Some of the scribes were there who reasoned that JESUS had spoken blasphemy since only GOD can forgive sins. Immediately, JESUS, knowing in his spirit what the scribes were thinking, asked them, "Why do you reason these things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven;' or 'Arise, take up your mat, and walk?' I will prove that the SON of MAN has authority on earth to forgive sins." He turned to the paralytic and said, "Arise, take up your mat, and go home." Immediately the man arose, took up his mat, and walked out the door to everyone's amazement. They praised GOD, saying, "We have never seen anything like this!"