The Healing of a Paralytic

When Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days, it became known that he was at home. Many gathered together so that there was no longer room for them, not even around the door, and he preached the word to them. They came bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. Unable to get near Jesus because of the crowd, they opened up the roof above him. After they had broken through, they let down the mat on which the paralytic was lying. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Child, your sins are forgiven.” Now some of the scribes were sitting there asking themselves, “Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming. Who but God alone can forgive sins?” Jesus immediately knew in his mind what they were thinking to themselves, so he said, “Why are you thinking such things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, pick up your mat and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth”— he said to the paralytic, “I say to you, rise, pick up your mat, and go home.” He rose, picked up his mat at once, and went away in the sight of everyone. They were all astounded and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this.”

Mark 2:1-12

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Accusations of Blasphemy

Jesus, the Divine Physician and Prince of Shalom, came from heaven to heal the whole human person. Moved by the faith of four friends, he declared to the paralytic lowered through the roof, “Child, your sins are forgiven.” These unexpected words stirred up charges of blasphemy among the scribes who were observing him. To all appearances, Jesus was a mere man. “Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming. Who but God alone can forgive sins?”

Christ’s Divine Authority

The scribes and Pharisees tolerated bodily healing (except on the Sabbath), though some accused him of serving Beelzebul. The pardoning of sins, however, crossed the inviolable line between the Creator and creature. In none of the other healing episodes in the Gospels did Jesus first forgive sins. This unique instance forced the issue of Jesus’ identity. Prophets like Elijah and Elisha healed the sick and raised the dead, but neither forgave sins. With divine authority, Jesus forgave sinners.

Restoration of Humanity

From the inside out, Christ restores paralyzed humanity. “The all-sufficient Physician of humanity, the Savior, heals both body and soul,” writes St. Clement of Alexandria.¹ In response to his accusers, Jesus proceeded to restore the limbs of the paralytic as proof of his authority to forgive sins.

But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth”— he said to the paralytic, “I say to you, rise, pick up your mat, and go home.” He rose, picked up his mat at once, and went away in the sight of everyone. They were all astounded and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this.”

Indeed, no prophet in Israel ever forgave sins and healed infirmities together. By healing the whole person—body and soul—Jesus Christ restores humanity to the Father.

Then the eyes of the blind shall see,
and the ears of the deaf be opened;
Then the lame shall leap like a stag,
and the mute tongue sing for joy.

Isaiah 35:5-6

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Reference

¹ St. Clement of Alexandria, The Instructor I. 2.