Jesus Heals a Paralyzed Man - Bible Story

Jesus Forgives and Heals a Paralyzed Man

The miraculous Bible story of Jesus forgiving and healing a paralytic in Capernaum is found in the second chapter of Mark. In this Bible account, Jesus forgives the sins of a paralyzed man which is doubted by the scribes as they question Christ's authority to pardon the sins of man. Jesus, "perceiving in His spirit that they thus questioned within themselves," then asked the scribes, "Why do you question these things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise, take up your bed and walk'? But 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, rise, pick up your bed, and go home." (Mark 2:8-11) Then the man arose and carried his bed to the amazement of the crowd that had gathered to hear the teachings of Christ.

Bible Text of Jesus Healing the Paralytic

And when he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them. And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven." Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, "Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, "Why do you question these things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise, take up your bed and walk'? But 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, rise, pick up your bed, and go home." And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, "We never saw anything like this!" (Mark 2:1-12)

And getting into a boat he crossed over and came to his own city. And behold, some people brought to him a paralytic, lying on a bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven." And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, "This man is blaspheming." But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, "Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise and walk'? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins"--he then said to the paralytic--"Rise, pick up your bed and go home." And he rose and went home. When the crowds saw it, they were afraid, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to men. (Matthew 9:1-8)

The Meaning of this Bible Story

As shown by the healing of the paralytic, faith is an indispensable condition for salvation. Faith is collective as well as personal, for the faith of the paralytic's friends helped in his healing. Three signs of Jesus' divinity are shown: (1) He knows the secrets of hearts (2 Chronicles 6:30); (2) He forgives sins, a power which belongs to God alone; and (3) He heals by the power of His word.

Note that one purpose of Christ's coming into the world is to forgive sins, freeing humanity from its bondage. Forgiving sins is a greater power than physical healing, for, as the scribes correctly note, God alone can forgive sins. Thus the easier task is to grant physical healing. Though Christ is fully God and holds the authority to forgive, He condescends to those gathered and heals this man in order to draw people to God, whom they glorified.

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