⁸ Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, “Why are you thinking these things? ⁹ Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? ¹⁰ But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the man, ¹¹ “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” ¹² He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”

Clearly Jesus is pointing out that forgiving sins is more difficult than healing the physical needs. But they did not believe. So He showed His power by telling Him to walk. I wonder how often we want Jesus to prove Himself instead of trusting Him to do what is best? 

Last thought. Where are the friends? They are still on the roof. Their friend is walking out of there. Wow! They now get to greet Him in a whole new way. 

What a powerful story. 

—God helps us to trust in your power to heal both our physical and our spiritual needs. We love You.