20 Seeing their faith he said, “Friend,A your sins are forgiven.”

21 Then the scribes and the Phariseesa began to think to themselves, “Who is this man who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?”b

22 But perceiving their thoughts, Jesus replied to them, “Why are you thinking this in your hearts?B 23 Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? 24 But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he told the paralyzed man, “I tell you: Get up, take your stretcher, and go home.”