1. Jesus healed a paralyzed man (17-20)

Jesus was teaching where there were many Jewish leaders gathered. Maybe they came to spy on him and on his teaching. All of a sudden there was a commotion, as some men cut through the roof and lowered a paralyzed man on his mat right in front of them all. Jesus commended their faith, which overcame all obstacles to come to Jesus. But when Jesus saw their faith, he did not heal the man; instead he said, "Friend, your sins are forgiven." Jesus knew the man's most desperate need.

2. Authority to forgive sins (21-26)

The Jewish leaders were not as surprised at the miracle as they were at the words of Jesus. To them Jesus was a blasphemer. Their hearts did not recognize God who bears sin on himself. Jesus wanted them to know the reality of the forgiveness of sins. The same authority he had to heal a paralytic, he also had to forgive sins. Jesus healed the paralyzed man and made everyone there to praise God.