Matthew 9:6
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.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus doesn't just say the man's sins are forgiven; he makes it a point to declare it using the title "Son of Man." This title, deeply connected to prophetic visions of divine authority, highlights that his power to forgive isn't just a nice gesture, but a claim to a unique, God-given role on earth.
Just before this, Jesus had told a paralyzed man his sins were forgiven, prompting some scribes to accuse him of blasphemy for claiming God's prerogative. Jesus, seeing their inner thoughts, challenges them by asking which is easier—to say sins are forgiven or to say "Rise and walk." He then performs the physical healing as undeniable proof of his divine authority to forgive sins, especially for those who doubt.
Why did Jesus specifically call Himself 'the Son of Man' when claiming the authority to forgive sins? This title holds a deep connection to an ancient prophecy, revealing His divine identity.
Jesus intentionally uses the title "the Son of Man" here, a direct reference to Daniel 7:13. This prophecy speaks of a figure who receives "an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away." By applying this title to himself in the context of forgiving sins – a power uniquely God's – Jesus is boldly declaring His divine nature. He's not just a human prophet; He is God incarnate, wielding the authority that belongs to the divine.
This wasn't just a casual remark. The scribes challenged Him, asking, "Who can forgive sins but God alone?" Jesus' response, using "the Son of Man," directly confronts their limited understanding. He asserts that this authority to forgive, which they rightly attributed only to God, is precisely what has been given to Him as the Son of Man. This highlights that His earthly ministry was a demonstration of His divine role and inherent power.
Why perform a physical healing to prove spiritual forgiveness? Jesus connects the seen and unseen to demonstrate His authority in a way people could grasp.
Jesus knew the scribes and Pharisees were questioning His authority to forgive sins. Their immediate thought was that only God could do this. To counter their disbelief and provide undeniable evidence, Jesus performed a visible miracle.
He declared the paralytic's sins forgiven, a spiritual act that the onlookers couldn't directly verify. Then, to prove He possessed the authority behind that declaration, He commanded the man to rise and walk, picking up his bed. This physical healing was the tangible, observable proof that demonstrated His divine power. It showed that the authority to forgive sins—a power they attributed to God—was indeed His. The physical miracle served as the undeniable seal on the spiritual reality of forgiveness.
Understand the original words
huios tou anthrōpou · Greek Noun phrase
A title frequently used by Jesus for himself, rooted in Daniel 7:13-14, emphasizing his humanity while also pointing to his messianic authority and divine nature.
exousia · Greek Noun
The power, right, or jurisdiction to act. In a biblical context, it refers to the legitimate authority granted by God to exercise power or control.
aphiēmi · Greek Verb
To release, remit, or pardon a debt or offense. Biblically, it refers to God removing the moral guilt and separation caused by wrongdoing.
hamartia · Greek Noun
Missing the mark of God's standard. It represents rebellion against God, moral failure, and the state of being estranged from Him, requiring atonement.
c. AD 25-30
Jesus begins public ministry
Jesus starts teaching, healing, and gathering disciples in Galilee. His ministry includes public pronouncements and miracles that draw crowds and attention from religious authorities.
c. AD 27-30— this verse
Jesus teaches in Capernaum
Capernaum becomes Jesus' base of operations. He frequently teaches in synagogues and homes, drawing large crowds, including scribes and Pharisees from various regions.
c. AD 28-30
Healing of the paralytic
Jesus encounters a paralytic man brought by friends. In a scene witnessed by scribes, Jesus declares the man's sins forgiven, then miraculously heals him, demonstrating His divine authority.
c. AD 30
Jesus' ministry intensifies
As Jesus' fame grows, so does the opposition from religious leaders. The events at Capernaum, including this healing and forgiveness, become points of contention and theological debate.
This passage is from the parallel account in Mark's Gospel and emphasizes Jesus' authority to forgive sins, directly linking it to His identity as the Son of Man, just as in Matthew 9:6.
Luke 5:24Luke's parallel account also highlights Jesus' authority on earth to forgive sins, reinforcing the central theme and the evidence provided by the healing miracle.
John 5:27Jesus speaks to the Father giving Him authority to execute judgment because He is the Son of Man, which directly relates to the authority to forgive sins claimed in Matthew 9:6.
Daniel 7:13-14This Old Testament passage describes the 'Son of Man' figure receiving dominion and glory, with an everlasting kingdom. Jesus is implicitly referencing this prophecy to assert His divine authority, including the power to forgive sins.
Isaiah 43:25This prophetic passage states, 'I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake; and I will not remember your sins.' Jesus' act of forgiving sins demonstrates that He is acting in accordance with God's own declared prerogative.
calvinMatthew 9:1-8: "And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city."
- And entering into a ship, he passed over, and came into his own city. 2. And, lo, they brought to him a paralytic lying on a bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, Take courage, my son, thy sins are forgiven thee. 3. And, lo, some of the scribes said among themselves, This man blasphemeth. 4. And when Jesus saw their thoughts, he said, Why do you think evil in your hearts? 5. For…
barnesMatthew 9:6: "But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house."
But that ye may know ... - That you may have full proof on that point; that you may see that I have power to forgive sin, I will perform an act which all must perceive and admit to require the power of God. Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine own house - The fact that the paralytic man could do this would pr…
Jesus doesn't just say the man's sins are forgiven; he makes it a point to declare it using the title "Son of Man." This title, deeply connected to prophetic visions of divine authority, highlights that his power to forgive isn't just a nice gesture, but a claim to a unique, God-given role on earth.
Just before this, Jesus had told a paralyzed man his sins were forgiven, prompting some scribes to accuse him of blasphemy for claiming God's prerogative. Jesus, seeing their inner thoughts, challenges them by asking which is easier—to say sins are forgiven or to say "Rise and walk." He then performs the physical healing as undeniable proof of his divine authority to forgive sins, especially for those who doubt.
Just before this, Jesus had told a paralyzed man his sins were forgiven, prompting some scribes to accuse him of blasphemy for claiming God's prerogative. Jesus, seeing their inner thoughts, challenges them by asking which is easier—to say sins are forgiven or to say "Rise and walk." He then performs the physical healing as undeniable proof of his divine authority to forgive sins, especially for those who doubt.
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"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.”" — Jesus doesn't just say the man's sins are forgiven; he makes it a point to declare it using the title "Son of Man." This title, deeply connected to prophetic visions of divine authority, highlights…
