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.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.