Matthew 9:6-7
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.” And he rose and went home.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus doesn't just offer a vague spiritual blessing; He delivers a tangible, public proof of His divine authority. By commanding the paralytic to "rise, pick up your bed and go home," Jesus links the forgiveness of sins directly to a physical, undeniable miracle, showing that His power operates both in the unseen spiritual realm and the visible earthly one.
Jesus, having just returned to his hometown, is teaching in a house crowded with people eager to hear him. When some men bring a paralytic, unable to enter due to the throng, they uncover the roof and lower him down. After Jesus tells the man his sins are forgiven, some scribes silently accuse him of blasphemy for claiming divine authority, prompting Jesus to prove his power by healing the man.
Why did Jesus perform a physical miracle to prove he could forgive sins? It wasn't just about impressing the crowd; it was a direct response to the scribes' hidden accusations.
The scribes were thinking, 'Who can forgive sins but God alone?' They accused Jesus of blasphemy because they saw him claiming a divine prerogative. Jesus knew their thoughts – a power far beyond human capability – and used it to bridge their spiritual blindness.
A Visible Seal on Invisible Grace
Jesus declares, 'But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins...' This is the core of the confrontation. He knows their inner turmoil and uses their own logic against them.
Jesus specifically uses the title 'Son of Man.' Why this title, and what does 'on earth' signify in this powerful declaration?
The title 'Son of Man' is a direct reference to Daniel 7:13-14, where a figure receives 'authority, glory, and sovereign power.' Jesus applies this messianic title to himself, claiming not only divine authority but also a unique position as humanity's representative.
Authority in the Here and Now
Crucially, Jesus adds 'on earth.' This isn't a limitation of his power but an emphasis on his present ministry. While his authority extends to heaven, he demonstrates it concretely amidst human suffering and sin.
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.
This event highlights the tension between Jesus' divine authority and the skepticism of religious leaders, particularly the scribes who questioned his right to forgive sins. The miracle of healing served as a tangible proof of his spiritual authority.
c. 27-30 AD
Jesus begins public ministry in Galilee
After his baptism and temptation, Jesus commences his public ministry, calling disciples and performing miracles in Galilee.
c. 28 AD— this verse
Jesus preaches in Capernaum
Jesus frequently taught and performed miracles in and around Capernaum, a bustling town on the Sea of Galilee, making it a base for his ministry.
c. 28 AD
Jesus heals a paralytic
During a teaching engagement in Capernaum, Jesus heals a paralytic man, first declaring his sins forgiven, which provokes opposition from scribes.
c. 28-30 AD
Growing opposition from religious leaders
As Jesus' ministry progresses and his claims become more explicit, religious authorities, including scribes and Pharisees, increasingly challenge his authority and teachings.
This passage directly states God's power to forgive sins, which is the very authority Jesus is demonstrating in Matthew 9:6, highlighting the divine nature of His claim.
Daniel 7:13-14This prophecy describes the 'Son of Man' receiving dominion and glory, directly connecting to Jesus' self-identification and His assertion of authority to forgive sins, which is an aspect of that divine dominion.
Luke 5:24This parallel account emphasizes the same miraculous act and Jesus' declaration of authority, reinforcing the significance of His power to forgive sins as demonstrated through healing.
John 10:30Jesus' declaration 'I and the Father are one' further illuminates His divine authority, including the power to forgive sins, which is shown in Matthew 9:6 as a shared divine prerogative.
Colossians 3:13This New Testament passage speaks of forgiving one another, mirroring the divine forgiveness Jesus offers, and showing how believers are called to reflect this God-given authority.
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 offer a vague spiritual blessing; He delivers a tangible, public proof of His divine authority. By commanding the paralytic to "rise, pick up your bed and go home," Jesus links the forgiveness of sins directly to a physical, undeniable miracle, showing that His power operates both in the unseen spiritual realm and the visible earthly one.
Jesus, having just returned to his hometown, is teaching in a house crowded with people eager to hear him. When some men bring a paralytic, unable to enter due to the throng, they uncover the roof and lower him down. After Jesus tells the man his sins are forgiven, some scribes silently accuse him of blasphemy for claiming divine authority, prompting Jesus to prove his power by healing the man.
Jesus, having just returned to his hometown, is teaching in a house crowded with people eager to hear him. When some men bring a paralytic, unable to enter due to the throng, they uncover the roof and lower him down. After Jesus tells the man his sins are forgiven, some scribes silently accuse him of blasphemy for claiming divine authority, prompting Jesus to prove his power by healing the man.
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The paralytic was healed because of 'their faith.' Who is 'their,' and why is faith so central to receiving God's forgiveness and power?
The text highlights 'their faith'—referring to the faith of the friends who brought the paralytic. This shows that faith isn't always individualistic; it can be communal and intercessory.
Faith as the Conduit
Jesus consistently linked healing and forgiveness to faith. While the scribes debated his authority, the friends acted in faith, demonstrating a trust that broke through obstacles.
"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.” And he rose and went home." — Jesus doesn't just offer a vague spiritual blessing; He delivers a tangible, public proof of His divine authority. By commanding the paralytic to "rise, pick up your bed and go home," Jesus links the…
