Which Is Easier To Say, ‘Your Sins Are Forgiven’ Or ‘Get Up And Walk’?

Free online resources based on Jesus healing a paralyzed man. This miracle can be found in Matthew, Mark, and Luke. See below for links to sermons, stories and entertaining sites for this important story.

They brought to Him a man who was paralyzed, lying on a stretcher. Seeing their [active] faith [springing from confidence in Him], Jesus said to the paralytic, “Do not be afraid, son; your sins are forgiven [the penalty is paid, the guilt removed, and you are declared to be in right standing with God].” — Matthew 9:2 <AMP>


Jesus Heals A Paralyzed Man – Summary

Near the village of Capernaum, four men made a decision that would transform the life of one of their friends. He was a paralytic, trapped in his own body, and in the natural, powerless to do anything about it.

They heard about Jesus, a man who was preaching God’s Word throughout Israel. And there were reports of miracles, people were being healed when they heard him teach. The four men placed the man on a stretcher and carried their friend to the house where it was reported that Jesus was present. The place was packed, and there was no way to enter the house.

Though this was a disappointing setback, they were not deterred. They were determined to get their friend healed. They lifted him up on the roof, made a hole in the tiles, intending to gently lower him in front of Jesus.

The paralytic’s faith was literally sky high as his four friends lowered him into the room where Jesus was preaching.

Jesus saw their collective faith, the paralytic who endured such hardship to get to Jesus, and the four friends so eager to see him be made whole. Jesus said,

“Man, thy sins are forgiven thee.”

The religious leaders were shocked at this statement. They believed only God could forgive sins. They considered this a blasphemous statement by Jesus. But before they could even say anything, Jesus knew their thoughts and asked,

Why are you thinking these things?”

“Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? So that you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.”

With that he turned to the paralytic and said,

“I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.”

Without saying another word, the man stood up, picked up his stretcher and headed for home, praising God the entire trip.

Those in attendance knew they had witnessed a great miracle. They glorified God and said,

We have seen remarkable things today.”

 

Which Is Easier To Say, ‘Your Sins Are Forgiven’ Or ‘Get Up And Walk’?

The religious leaders were more concerned about legal matters than the welfare of the paralytic – spiritual or physical. They heard Jesus declare forgiveness and did not understand the profound Truth in what Jesus was teaching. Jesus is the Son of God, but in the incarnation he acted as the Son of Man, a title Jesus used frequently while on Earth. He wanted to identify with mankind as the Last Adam, so mankind could identify with him and his purpose. (1 Corinthians 15:45)

Its really a trick question. Both sentences are just as easy to say. The greater Truth is that sin and sickness have the same source – spiritual death. They entered the Earth when Adam and Eve disobeyed God’s Word, and are both the result of a fallen and corrupt world controlled by the enemy. Because of the sin of one man, death reigned over all. Those who receive God’s Grace and gift of Righteousness, reign in life through Jesus Christ. He not only came to destroy the works of the devil, but He also chose YOU to be adopted as God’s children, blessing you with EVERY spiritual blessing in the Heavenly realm. (Acts 10:34-43, Ephesians 1:1-14, 2:1-10, Hebrews 2:14-18, 1 John 3:8-10)

The Good News is a stumbling block to the unbelieving and religious folks, which sometimes are the same. For people who base their belief on their feelings, experiences, or who are bound by religious tradition, God’s Word is hard to receive. The paralytic, aided by his four friends, was determined to see Jesus. And when the paralytic heard God’s Truth, it set set him free. (John 8:31-32)

But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.  — Mark 2:10-11 <KJV>

I think anyone who was paralyzed to the point of needing friends to carry him around would be – “sick of the palsy”. Sickness and sin both make life miserable. That is why Jesus set aside is Eternal Glory and came down to the Earth as the Son of Man. His purpose was to settle the sin question once and for all. And by doing that, he would settle the sickness question as well. One of God’s Covenant names is Jehovah-Rapha, Jehovah the Healer. It was often because of sin, that sickness would manifest. But the children of Israel would cry out to God and He would send His Word and heal them. (Exodus 15:26, Psalm 107:17-22, John 1:1-4, Philippians 2:5-11)

Jesus Heals

Which Is Easier To Say, ‘Your Sins Are Forgiven’ Or ‘Get Up And Walk’?

Sin and sickness were linked together from the fall of man. And God’s Mercy is always the solution. Once Jesus arrived on Earth, His Word was even more explicit on how God feels about sin and sickness. God’s prophets had made it clear that He made provision for both. David writes – He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. Isaiah adds – He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. Peter confirmed it – His own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes you were healed. John the Baptist testified of Jesus  – Behold the Lamb of God, which takes away the sin of the world. Matthew added – He cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses. And Jesus said of his own purpose – I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. (Psalm 103:1-5, Isaiah 53:5, Matthew 8:16-17, John 1:29, 10:10, 1 Peter 2:24)

The man did exactly what Jesus said, proving to the religious leaders that He had the authority to forgive sins, rattling their religious cages, and demonstrating the power of God’s Grace in healing the sick. It is interesting that the paralytic was carried by 4 men. Four is recognized as the number of man, his weakness, helplessness, and vanity. They did everything they knew to do to get their friend healed. It is when God adds a 5th element, Grace, that God’s power is made perfect in weakness. His favor comes from knowing and trusting His Wisdom. By spending quality time with His Word you can mature spiritually, and prosper in every area of your life. As John writes – Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. The Good Shepherd is not going to get any glory from a flock that is wounded, sick, and helpless. (Psalm 23:1-6, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, 3 John 1:2)

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s. — 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 <KJV>

Once the man was set free and stood up, many including the man who was healed gave glory to God. This is music to God’s ears, and a testimony to people everywhere. God gets no glory from sickness. If you are battling some condition, or enduring some sickness, don’t be condemned. This story should give you hope. Study the Word, especially the healing verses. Read Jesus’ miracles like you read the newspaper. Believe the Word and act on it. Praise God for making you whole – spirit, mind, and body. Because if you believe that you are saved from sin, then there is simply nothing stopping you from being healed from any sickness other than lack of knowledge, or unbelief. That’s Good News! (Psalm 32:1-11, 34:1-22, 103:1-22, 91:1-16, 119:1-176, Hosea 4:6, Proverbs 3:1-26, John 10:10)

But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. — Romans 10:8-11 <KJV>

Confess the Word, believe with all your heart, and you shall be saved. That is the Truth found in this verse. Every promise (or from God’s perspective prophecy) is received the same way – confession, faith based on the Word, His Incorruptible Seed, in your heart, and then manifestation. What is even more exciting about these verses is that the word for “saved” is the Greek word sózó. (Strong’s 4982) This word is translated as both saved and made whole. This reinforces the completeness of Salvation for the entire man – spirit, mind, and body. Your Heavenly Father wants you sanctified and preserved, complete in Christ and focused on Him and His Will. The same Spirit that raised Jesus lives in the Believer, giving Life to your body. Believers are made alive in Christ, and blessed with every Spiritual Blessing. Take His Truth and place it in your mouth and believe it in your heart! (Mark 11:20-26, Romans 8:1-16, Ephesians 1:1-9, 2:1-10, Colossians 2:1-15, 3:1-4, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-28, 1 Peter 1:16-25)

Jesus knew exactly what they were thinking and said, “Why all this gossipy whispering? Which is simpler: to say ‘I forgive your sins,’ or to say ‘Get up and start walking’? Well, just so it’s clear that I’m the Son of Man and authorized to do either, or both… .” He now spoke directly to the paraplegic: “Get up. Take your bedroll and go home.” Without a moment’s hesitation, he did it—got up, took his blanket, and left for home, giving glory to God all the way. The people rubbed their eyes, incredulous—and then also gave glory to God. Awestruck, they said, “We’ve never seen anything like that!” Luke 5:22-26 <MSG>

 

Read the story in five popular translations – AMP, KJV, HCSB, NIV, The Message:

Jesus Heals The Man Sick Of The Palsy MiracleMatthew 9:1-8Mark 2:1-12, Luke 5:17-26

 

Additional Resources

Jesus Heals The Paralyzed Man – Children’s lesson and activities

Jesus Heals The Paralyzed Man – Bible lesson based on Matthew 9:1-8; Mark 2:1-12

Jesus Heals A Paralytic At Capernaum – Commentary from The Fourfold Gospel

Grab a Corner Of The Blanket – Children’s sermon and activities.

Jesus Heals The Lame Man – Animated

For more information on divine healing, I recommend the following books. These are all available on Amazon.com. Both of these books will be a Blessing to you and an edifying addition to your library. Healing the Sick by T.L. Osborn and Christ the Healer by F.F. Bosworth.

Image Source: Free Christian Clip Art

 

Suggested Search Terms: Jesus heals the paralyzed man, Matthew 9, Mark 2, Luke 5, religious bondage, healing, miracle of Jesus, which is easier, divine health, The Word, faith, spiritual authority, forgiveness, sin, spiritual death, sick of the palsy

Share and Enjoy:
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • StumbleUpon
  • Print
  • Reddit
  • LinkedIn
  • Tumblr
  • Add to favorites