40 – Paralytic Forgiven and Healed, Matthew 9:1-8; Mark 2:1-12; Luke 5:17-26

Matthew 9:1 Getting into a boat, Jesus crossed over the sea and came to His own city. 2 And they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralytic, “Take courage, [a]son; your sins are forgiven.” 3 And some of the scribes said [b]to themselves, “This fellow blasphemes.” 4 And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, “Why are you thinking evil in your hearts? 5 Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, and walk’? 6 But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—then He *said to the paralytic, “Get up, pick up your bed and go home.” 7 And he got up and [c]went home. 8 But when the crowds saw this, they were [d]awestruck, and glorified God, who had given such authority to men.

Mark 2:1 When He had come back to Capernaum several days afterward, it was heard that He was at home. 2 And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room, not even near the door; and He was speaking the word to them. 3 And they *came, bringing to Him a paralytic, carried by four men. 4 Being unable to [a]get to Him because of the crowd, they removed the roof [b]above Him; and when they had dug an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic was lying. 5 And Jesus seeing their faith *said to the paralytic, “[c]Son, your sins are forgiven.” 6 But some of the scribes were sitting there and reasoning in their hearts, 7 “Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming; who can forgive sins [d]but God alone?” 8 Immediately Jesus, aware [e]in His spirit that they were reasoning that way within themselves, *said to them, “Why are you reasoning about these things in your hearts? 9 Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven’; or to say, ‘Get up, and pick up your pallet and walk’? 10 But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—He *said to the paralytic, 11 “I say to you, get up, pick up your pallet and go home.” 12 And he got up and immediately picked up the pallet and went out in the sight of everyone, so that they were all amazed and were glorifying God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this.”

Luke 5:17 [a]One day He was teaching; and there were some Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting there, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem; and the power of the Lord was present for Him to perform healing. 18 And some men were carrying on a [b]bed a man who was paralyzed; and they were trying to bring him in and to set him down in front of Him. 19 But not finding any way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down through the tiles with his stretcher, into the middle of the crowd, in front of Jesus. 20 Seeing their faith, He said, “[c]Friend, your sins are forgiven you.” 21 The scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, “Who is this man who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?” 22 But Jesus, [d]aware of their reasonings, answered and said to them, “Why are you reasoning in your hearts? 23 Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins have been forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? 24 But, so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins,”—He said to the paralytic—“I say to you, get up, and pick up your stretcher and go home.” 25 Immediately he got up before them, and picked up what he had been lying on, and went home glorifying God. 26 [e]They were all struck with astonishment and began glorifying God; and they were filled with fear, saying, “We have seen remarkable things today.”

Footnotes (Matthew)

a. Matthew 9:2 Lit child

b. Matthew 9:3 Lit among

c. Matthew 9:7 Or departed

d. Matthew 9:8 Lit afraid

Footnotes (Mark)

a. Mark 2:4 Lit bring to

b. Mark 2:4 Lit where He was

c. Mark 2:5 Lit child

d. Mark 2:7 Lit if not one, God

e. Mark 2:8 Lit by

Footnotes (Luke)

a. Luke 5:17 Lit On one of the days

b. Luke 5:18 Or stretcher

c. Luke 5:20 Lit Man

d. Luke 5:22 Or perceiving

e. Luke 5:26 Lit Astonishment took them all

Commentary

Notice when Jesus came to His own city that the city was not Nazareth, but Capernaum. We learned that Jesus had moved there in Matthew 4:13. If you read our study passage in the context of the end of Matthew chapter 8, it seems the reason Jesus returned to Capernaum at this time is that He had been asked to leave the country of the Gergesenes. The chronology here gets a little tricky, but for now, I’m following the account in Mark, since he so specifically says the healing of the paralytic was a few days after the leper was healed. The more I’m reading in Matthew, the more it seems his account jumps around from one story to another, as you might if you were reminiscing with an old friend; you don’t necessarily tell stories in the order in which they occurred, but in the order in which they come up in conversation.

Since we are following Mark’s chronology here, after reading Mark chapter 1, we can see this is the first time when Jesus experiences any pushback or hostility from His audience. The crowd is amazed by Jesus’s healing power, but there is no comment that they were awestruck when He forgave the man’s sins (which is the far more significant feat). However, the Pharisees and scribes recognize the implication, and they don’t seem to even consider the possibility that Jesus had been granted authority by God to forgive sins or question why Jesus saw forgiveness as the man’s most urgent need. I watched a really moving and profound sermon on this scene, and I highly recommend you take 30 minutes to watch it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1Glfn3KG_k

This story skillfully shows us the tenderness and trustworthiness of Jesus. He sees beyond the man’s obvious physical condition to his deeper and more immediate need for justification before God. In the same way Jesus sees the disbelief in the hearts of the Pharisees, He also sees into the heart of the paralytic man and perceives faith in Jesus as Lord. “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life” John 5:24. “They said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household”” Acts 16:31. In the sermon I linked above, Pastor Keller mentions that God doesn’t forgive sin unless the sinner asks and that Jesus must have perceived an unspoken request in the paralytic’s heart. If we look at the text, we see that all three gospel writers who reported the story said Jesus was compelled to forgive the man’s sins after He saw the FAITH of the group of men. Based on the verses I copied here from John and Acts, we can see faith as the prerequisite for salvation from judgment. But, just as James (the brother of Jesus) said faith without works is dead, may I suggest that true faith is more than just a belief, but a lifestyle, and it encompasses a host of thought processes, including repentance. (Again, I’ll also refer back to my previous posts regarding John the Baptist’s message to repent, for the kingdom of God is near. Why does the imminence of the kingdom of God inspire repentance? An honest belief in the reality of the Messiah NECESSARILY produces repentance. The faith and the repentance can’t be separated.)

Jesus then asks a question that we may have interpreted as rhetorical, but if you really take the time to consider it, which is harder: to forgive sins or to heal? God can heal even the most debilitating disease out of hand, but He cannot forgive without sacrifice. Only the savior of the world who is about to die on the cross can forgive sins. The Pharisees thought it was presumptuous for Jesus to offer to forgive the man’s sins, but think about how a false prophet would even conceive of making that statement. In front of Jesus was a man who obviously needed healing, and the physical healing is what led the crowd to awe and hopefully faith. Any person whose objective was simply to claim followers would have healed the man and never even thought of saying anything about the man’s spirit. Or if a wild thought like that had occurred to the healer, the repercussions would have been so quickly identified that the words would never have been uttered. But Jesus not only has the enlightened perspective to consider the man’s separation from God, but the boldness to proclaim the man’s forgiveness, knowing it will cause dissention. Out of love for the man, however, He is compelled to do it even before He heals him physically.

See the next post here https://onthepath.online/2019/10/31/call-of-matthew/

Scripture References

Matthew 9:1

Matthew 4:13 Leaving Nazareth, He went and lived in Capernaum, which is by the sea in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali,

Mark 5:21 When Jesus had again crossed by boat to the other side, a large crowd gathered around Him beside the sea.

Luke 8:40 When Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed Him, for they had all been waiting for Him.

Matthew 9:2

Matthew 4:24 News about Him spread all over Syria, and people brought to Him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering acute pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed–and He healed them.

Matthew 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

Matthew 9:22 Jesus turned and saw her. “Take courage, daughter,” He said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was cured from that very hour.

Matthew 14:27 But Jesus immediately spoke up: “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.”

Mark 6:50 for they all saw Him and were terrified. But Jesus spoke up at once: “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.”

Mark 10:49 Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called the blind man. “Take courage!” they said. “Get up! He is calling for you.”

Luke 7:48 Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”

John 16:33 I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!”

Acts 23:11 The following night the Lord stood by Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about Me in Jerusalem, so also you must testify in Rome.”

Matthew 9:3

Numbers 15:30 But the person who sins defiantly, whether a native or foreigner, blasphemes the LORD. That person shall be cut off from his people.

Mark 3:28 Truly I tell you, the sons of men will be forgiven all sins and blasphemies, as many as they utter.

Mark 3:29 But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of eternal sin.”

Matthew 9:4

Psalm 139:2 You know when I sit and when I rise; You understand my thoughts from afar.

Matthew 12:25 Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.

Luke 6:8 But Jesus knew their thoughts and said to the man with the withered hand, “Get up and stand among us.” So he got up and stood there.

Luke 9:47 But Jesus, knowing the thoughts of their hearts, had a little child stand beside Him.

John 2:25 He did not need any testimony about man, for He knew what was in a man.

Matthew 9:5

Luke 7:48 Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”

Matthew 9:6

Matthew 4:24 News about Him spread all over Syria, and people brought to Him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering acute pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed–and He healed them.

Matthew 8:20 Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head.”

John 5:8 Then Jesus told him, “Get up, pick up your mat, and walk.”

John 5:27 And He has given Him authority to execute judgment, because He is the Son of Man.

Matthew 9:8

Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 15:31 The crowd was amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled restored, the lame walking, and the blind seeing. And they glorified the God of Israel.

Luke 2:20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, which was just as the angel had told them.

Luke 7:16 A sense of awe swept over all of them, and they glorified God. “A great prophet has appeared among us!” they said. “God has visited His people!”

Luke 13:13 Then He laid His hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and began to glorify God.

Luke 17:15 When one of them saw that he was healed, he came back, praising God in a loud voice.

Luke 17:18 Was no one found except this foreigner to return and give glory to God?”

Luke 18:43 Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, glorifying God. And all the people who saw this gave praise to God.

Luke 23:47 When the centurion saw what had happened, he gave glory to God, saying, “Surely this was a righteous man.”

John 15:8 This is to My Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, proving yourselves to be My disciples.

Acts 4:21 So the Council members threatened them further and let them go. They could not find a way to punish them, because all the people were glorifying God for what had happened.

Acts 11:18 When they heard this, their objections were put to rest, and they glorified God, saying, “So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life.”

Acts 21:20 When they heard this, they glorified God. Then they said to Paul, “You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews have believed, and all of them are zealous for the Law.

2 Corinthians 9:13 Because of the proof this ministry provides, the saints will glorify God for your obedient confession of the gospel of Christ, and for the generosity of your contribution to them and to all the others.

Galatians 1:24 And they glorified God because of me.

1 Peter 2:12 Conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that, though they slander you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.

Mark 2:1

Matthew 4:13 Leaving Nazareth, He went and lived in Capernaum, which is by the sea in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali,

Mark 1:45 But the man went out and openly began to proclaim and spread the news. Consequently, Jesus could no longer enter a town in plain view, but He stayed out in solitary places. Yet people came to Him from every quarter.

Mark 3:20 Then Jesus went home, and once again a crowd gathered, so that He and His disciples could not even eat.

Mark 7:17 After Jesus had left the crowd and gone into the house, His disciples inquired about the parable.

Mark 9:28 After Jesus had gone into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”

Luke 4:23 Jesus said to them, “Surely you will quote this proverb to Me: ‘Physician, heal yourself! Do here in Your hometown what we have heard that You did in Capernaum.'”

Mark 2:2

Mark 1:45 But the man went out and openly began to proclaim and spread the news. Consequently, Jesus could no longer enter a town in plain view, but He stayed out in solitary places. Yet people came to Him from every quarter.

Mark 2:13 Once again Jesus went out beside the sea. All the people came to Him, and He taught them there.

Mark 2:3

Matthew 4:24 News about Him spread all over Syria, and people brought to Him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering acute pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed–and He healed them.

Mark 2:4

Matthew 4:24 News about Him spread all over Syria, and people brought to Him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering acute pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed–and He healed them.

Mark 2:5

Luke 7:48 Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”

John 5:14 Afterward, Jesus found the man at the temple and said to him, “See, you have been made well. Stop sinning, or something worse may happen to you.”

Mark 2:7

Isaiah 43:25 I, yes I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake and remembers your sins no more.

Mark 2:8

Matthew 12:15 Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place. Large crowds followed Him, and He healed them all,

Matthew 16:7 They discussed this among themselves and concluded, “It is because we did not bring any bread.”

Mark 2:9

Matthew 4:24 News about Him spread all over Syria, and people brought to Him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering acute pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed–and He healed them.

Luke 7:48 Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”

Mark 2:11

John 5:8 Then Jesus told him, “Get up, pick up your mat, and walk.”

Mark 2:12

Matthew 9:33 And when the demon had been driven out, the man began to speak. The crowds were amazed and said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel!”

Luke 5:17

Matthew 15:1 Then some Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and asked,

Mark 1:45 But the man went out and openly began to proclaim and spread the news. Consequently, Jesus could no longer enter a town in plain view, but He stayed out in solitary places. Yet people came to Him from every quarter.

Mark 5:30 At once Jesus was aware that power had gone out from Him. Turning to the crowd, He asked, “Who touched My clothes?”

Luke 2:46 Finally, after three days they found Him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.

Luke 6:19 The entire crowd was trying to touch Him, because power was coming from Him and healing them all.

Luke 8:46 But Jesus declared, “Someone touched Me, for I know that power has gone out from Me.”

John 3:10 “You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and you do not understand these things?

Acts 5:34 But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a short time.

Luke 5:18

Matthew 4:24 News about Him spread all over Syria, and people brought to Him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering acute pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed–and He healed them.

Luke 5:19

1 Samuel 9:25 And after they had come down from the high place into the city, Samuel spoke with Saul on the roof of his house.

Matthew 24:17 Let no one on the housetop come down to retrieve anything from his house.

Luke 5:20

Luke 7:48 Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”

Luke 5:21

Isaiah 43:25 I, yes I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake and remembers your sins no more.

Luke 3:8 Therefore produce fruit worthy of repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.

Luke 7:49 But those at the table began to say to themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”

Luke 5:22

Matthew 12:15 Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place. Large crowds followed Him, and He healed them all,

Luke 5:23

Luke 7:48 Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”

Luke 5:24

Matthew 4:24 News about Him spread all over Syria, and people brought to Him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering acute pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the

John 5:8 Then Jesus told him, “Get up, pick up your mat, and walk.”

Luke 5:26

Luke 1:65 All their neighbors were filled with awe, and people throughout the hill country of Judea were talking about these events.

Luke 7:16 A sense of awe swept over all of them, and they glorified God. “A great prophet has appeared among us!” they said. “God has visited His people!”

Commentary

James 2:26 The body is dead when there is no spirit in it. It is the same with faith. Faith is dead when nothing is done.