2 There they brought to him a paralyzed man lying on a mat. When Jesus saw how they trusted him, he told the paralyzed man, "My friend,*9:2. Literally, "child." cheer up! Your sins are forgiven."

3 In response some of the religious teachers said to themselves, "He’s speaking blasphemy!"

4 But Jesus knew what they were thinking. He asked them, "Why are you thinking evil thoughts in your minds? 5 What is easier to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Get up and walk’? 6 But to convince you that the Son of man does have the authority to forgive sins…" he said to the paralyzed man, "Get up, pick up your mat, and go home!" 7 The man got up and went home.