The Saints Gospel 32
Authority to Forgive Sins
← 31 To the Other Cities Also · The Saints Gospel: all scenes · 33 Mercy and the Call of the Sinner →
Woven from Matthew 9:1–8 · Mark 2:1–12 · Luke 5:17–26
Jesus entered a boat, crossed over, and came again to Capernaum, His own city. After some days it was heard that He was at home. Many gathered until there was no room, even near the door, and He spoke the word to them. Pharisees and teachers of the law sat there, having come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem; the Lord’s power was present for Him to heal.
Four men came carrying a paralyzed man on a bed. Unable to bring him in because of the crowd, they went onto the roof, removed the roofing above Jesus, dug through it, and lowered the mat through the tiles into the midst before Him. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralytic, “Take courage, child; your sins are forgiven.”
Some of the scribes were sitting there and reasoning in their hearts, “Why does this man speak this way? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins except the one God?”
Immediately Jesus knew in His spirit what they were reasoning and said, “Why do you think evil things in your hearts?
“Which is easier: to say to the paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Arise, take your mat, and walk’? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—He said to the paralyzed man— “I say to you, arise, take your mat, and go to your house.”
Immediately he rose before them, took up the mat on which he had lain, and went home glorifying God. Astonishment seized everyone, and they were filled with fear. They glorified God, who had given such authority to human beings, saying, “We have never seen anything like this! We have seen extraordinary things today.”
← 31 To the Other Cities Also · The Saints Gospel: all scenes · 33 Mercy and the Call of the Sinner →
Saints Translation · The Saints Gospel · a harmony of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and Acts 1 · words of Christ in red · working draft awaiting specialist review.