^{18 Ref} Behold, men brought a paralyzed man on a cot, and they sought to bring him in to lay before Jesus.

^{19 Ref} Not finding a way to bring him in because of the multitude, they went up to the housetop, and let him down through the tiles with his cot into the midst before Jesus.

^{20 Ref} Seeing their faith, he said to him, "Man, your sins are forgiven you."

^{21 Ref} The scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, "Who is this that speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?"

^{22 Ref} But Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, answered them, "Why are you reasoning so in your hearts?

^{23 Ref} Which is easier to say, 'Your sins are forgiven you;' or to say, 'Arise and walk?'

^{24 Ref} But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins" (he said to the paralyzed man), "I tell you, arise, and take up your cot, and go to your house."

^{25 Ref} Immediately he rose up before them, and took up that which he was laying on, and departed to his house, glorifying God.

^{26 Ref} Amazement took hold on all, and they glorified God. They were filled with fear, saying, "We have seen strange things today."