One striking example comes from Matthew, where a paralytic was brought to Jesus:
“Then behold, they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, ‘Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you.’ And at once some of the scribes said within themselves, ‘This Man blasphemes!’ But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, ‘Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, “Your sins are forgiven you,” or to say, “Arise and walk”? But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins’—then He said to the paralytic, ‘Arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.’” (Matthew 9:2–6)
Mark records the same account, adding that the man was lowered through the roof to reach Jesus:
“When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven you.’ And some of the scribes were sitting there and reasoning in their hearts, ‘Why does this Man speak blasphemies like this? Who can forgive sins but God alone?’” (Mark 2:5–7)
Luke emphasizes the same point:
“And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, ‘Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?’ But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, He answered and said to them, ‘Why are you reasoning in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, “Your sins are forgiven you,” or to say, “Rise up and walk”? But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins’—He said to the man who was paralyzed, ‘I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.’” (Luke 5:21–24)
By forgiving sins, Jesus revealed that His authority reached far beyond physical healing. Only God can forgive sins, so when Jesus declared forgiveness, He was openly identifying Himself with divine authority. This angered the Pharisees, who saw His words as blasphemy. But the miracle of healing proved that His words were not empty. His power to heal the body confirmed His greater power to heal the soul.
