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Pharisee, member of the Sanhedrim, "the teacher" of Israel, bore witness that such was
the case: "Rabbi we know that Thou art a teacher come from God; for no man can do
these miracles that Thou doest except God be with him". For a man uncommissioned to
stand up and say, "Thy sins be forgiven thee", would be indeed "blasphemy". The
question does not touch the Person of Christ in His official capacity. As the sent One He
had power on earth to forgive sins, and the signs and wonders were His credentials. He
will however demonstrate His commission and authority yet once more. The reasoning
of the Lord is invincible. It is certainly easier to SAY, "Thy sins be forgiven thee", than
to SAY, "Arise and walk", for while none can test the fulfillment or otherwise of the first
statement, all can witness the second. There are many to-day who pronounce the
forgiveness of sins and wield a tremendous power over the ignorant and the superstitious,
who could not abide this challenge. So the Lord of glory stooped again in long-suffering
gentleness:--
"But that ye may know that the Son of man hath authority on earth to forgive sins
(then saith He to the sick of the palsy), `Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.'
And he arose, and departed to his house."
The result according to Matthew was, "When the multitude saw it they marveled, and
glorified God, which had given such authority unto men". Mark says, "they were all
amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion". Luke's record is,
"They were all amazed and they glorified God, and were filled with fear, saying, We
have seen strange things to-day".
Each Gospel records the calling of Matthew, immediately after this miracle. Each
records that at the feast that followed the Lord said, "They that be whole need not a
physician but they that are sick, for I am not come to call the righteous but sinners to
repentance". Thus, as in the miracle, the physical shadows forth the spiritual.
(Miracles10, pp.74-78).