JESUS got back into the boat, crossed the lake again, and came to HIS hometown. Here, they brought to HIM a paralyzed man, lying on a bed. JESUS saw their faith and said to the paralytic, 'Courage, MY son! Your sins are forgiven.'
Some teachers of the law said within themselves, 'This man insults GOD.' JESUS was aware of what they were thinking; and said, 'Why have you such evil thoughts? Which is easier to say: 'Your sins are forgiven' or 'Stand up and walk'? But that you may know, that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins,' HE said to the paralyzed man, 'Stand up! Take your stretcher and go home!' The man got up, and went home.
When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe, and praised GOD for giving such power to human beings." - Matthew 9:1-8
(They praised GOD for giving such power to human beings. This formula is rather clumsy. The crowd is astonished to see how GOD's saving power is manifest among people, and through a man, JESUS. Matthew has no wish to separate the Church from CHRIST: every Christian community received the gifts of GOD for healing and reconciliation. It is known that the ministers of the Church have special authority to pardon, but the grace of GOD also flows in many other very different channels [1 Corinthians 5:3-5; 2 Corinthians 2:5-11]. When we establish relations of mercy and trust, and accept fraternal correction humbly, when there is mutual forgiveness between spouses, CHRIST is the one who forgives and pardons, and what is forgiven among us on earth, is forgiven in heaven [Matthew 18:18].
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