Matthew 9:1-8
The King proves His authority to forgive sins by commanding the paralyzed man to rise and walk.
1 He entered into a boat, and crossed over, and came into his own city.
2 Behold, they brought to him a man who was paralyzed, lying on a bed. Jesus, seeing their faith, said to the paralytic, “Son, cheer up! Your sins are forgiven you.”
3 Behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man blasphemes.”
4 Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts?
5 For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven;’ or to say, ‘Get up, and walk?’
6 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins-” (then he said to the paralytic), “Get up, and take up your mat, and go to your house.”
7 He arose and departed to his house.
8 But when the multitudes saw it, they marveled and glorified God, who had given such authority to men.
The King proves his authority to forgive sins by commanding the paralyzed man to rise and walk.
Matthew records Jesus healing a paralyzed man in order to demonstrate that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.
Jesus returns by boat to his own town, likely Capernaum, after the Gadarene episode.
Authority to Forgive, Mercy for Sinners, and Compassion for the Harvest
Jesus, the merciful Son of Man and Son of David, has authority to forgive sins, call sinners, restore the broken, and send workers into the harvest of shepherdless people.