9:1 After getting into a boat he crossed to the other side and came to his own town. 1 9:2 Just then 2 some people 3 brought to him a paralytic lying on a stretcher. 4 When Jesus saw their 5 faith, he said to the paralytic, “Have courage, son! Your sins are forgiven.” 6 9:3 Then 7 some of the experts in the law 8 said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming!” 9 9:4 When Jesus saw their reaction he said, “Why do you respond with evil in your hearts? 9:5 Which is easier, 10 to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven’ or to say, ‘Stand up and walk’? 9:6 But so that you may know 11 that the Son of Man 12 has authority on earth to forgive sins” – then he said to the paralytic 13 – “Stand up, take your stretcher, and go home.” 14 9:7 And he stood up and went home. 15 9:8 When 16 the crowd saw this, they were afraid 17 and honored God who had given such authority to men. 18