18 Some men were bringing a paralyzed man on a stretcher. They were trying to take him into the house and place him in front of Jesus.

19 When they couldn't find a way to get him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down on his stretcher through the tiles into the middle of the room, right in front of Jesus.

20 When Jesus saw their faith, he said,"Mister,your sins are forgiven."

21 The scribes and the Pharisees began to argue among themselves, saying, "Who is this man who is uttering blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?"

22 Because Jesus knew that they were arguing, he said to them,"Why are you arguing about this among yourselves?

23 Whichis easier: to say ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say ‘Get up and walk’?

24 ButI want you to knowthat the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins."Then he said to the paralyzed man,"I say to you: Get up, pick up your stretcher, and go home!"

25 So the man immediately stood up in front of them and picked up what he had been lying on. Then he went home, praising God.