Word that Jesus was in a house at Capernaum filled it to overflowing. Four friends carrying a paralysed man could not even reach the door. They climbed the outside stair to the flat roof, removed the thatch and clay between the beams, and lowered the man on his pallet down into the room.
Christ, seeing their faith, said to the paralytic: 'My son, your sins are forgiven.' Some of the scribes thought to themselves: 'It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?' Knowing their thoughts, Christ asked: 'Which is easier — to say "Your sins are forgiven," or "Rise, take up your pallet and walk"? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins...' — He turned to the paralytic — 'Rise, take up your pallet, and go home.' He stood, took up his pallet, and walked out through the astonished crowd.