Matthew 9:5Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

He brings healing to the paralytic by posing a question to the scribes: “Which is easier to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’?” This inquiry prompts reflection on what seems less difficult: restoring the physical body or liberating the soul from sin? Clearly, healing the body appears simpler. However, since the soul holds greater value than the body, the act of forgiving sins is of far greater significance than merely physical restoration. Yet, the forgiveness of sins remains invisible, contrasting with the evident nature of physical healing. Consequently, He performs the latter—a tangible miracle—to validate the former—the spiritual liberation. In this way, the Savior exemplified the truth of John’s declaration: “This One takes away the sins of the world.”

He confronts them, implying: ‘You believe I commit blasphemy because I claim the authority to forgive sins, a significant matter. You assume I do this to evade scrutiny, yet by restoring the body, I demonstrate my ability to also restore the soul, a task that is much simpler, although often perceived as more challenging. I will also confirm the forgiveness of sins, a profound act, yet it may appear easier to you since it is not visible.’

There exists a significant distinction between speaking and acting. Whether the paralytic's transgressions were truly absolved remains known solely to the one who granted forgiveness. The command, ‘Arise and walk,’ could be verified by both the man who stood and those who witnessed his rising. Thus, a physical manifestation serves to affirm the legitimacy of the spiritual declaration, for it is the same divine Power that has the ability to liberate both the soul and the body from their afflictions. Additionally, it is reasonable to hold that numerous physical ailments stem from sin. Therefore, upon the forgiveness of your sins, or even independently of them, healing is promptly restored, as if the very source of the ailments has been removed from the body.

He states that you believe I speak heresy when I forgive sins and that I claim equality with God. So, tell Me, which is simpler to accomplish—what I have just claimed or something else? Both options presented to Him were achievable for God but unattainable for humanity. It is uniquely God's authority to forgive sins, just as it is within His might to raise and restore the paralyzed man. When they remained quiet, unable to decide which of the two actions was simpler, He responded:

Which statement is simpler to proclaim: your transgressions are pardoned, or rise and walk? Why does the Lord pose this inquiry? The Lord addressed the man afflicted with paralysis, declaring, 'Your transgressions are pardoned.' Those present were inclined to respond, ‘Who has the authority to forgive sins except God?’ The Saviour might have asserted, ‘I am God.’ However, that would have presented an even greater temptation. Instead of claiming His divine identity, He performs the work of the Father, allowing others to grapple with the implications themselves. This approach connects their understanding of His actions.

Upon hearing Christ proclaim to the paralytic, "Thy sins are forgiven," the scribes dismissed His words as blasphemous. In order to demonstrate His divine authority and power to forgive sins, Jesus first unveiled His supernatural ability by perceiving the hidden thoughts within their hearts. Following this revelation, He posed a question to them: "Scribes," He asked, "do you believe it to be blasphemous for me to declare to the paralytic, 'Thy sins are remitted' without divine sanction?" The scribes remained silent in response to this inquiry. Thus, it is evident that He who can restore a paralyzed man lying immobile on his cot with a mere command possesses divine authority; and He who holds such power can indeed forgive sins. Both of these acts are manifestations of the one true God. The first act reflects His sovereignty, while the second showcases His boundless mercy. Given that the scribes remained unresponsive to Christ's question, He, in both word and action, provides the answer, saying:

The Savior continued, saying, “Which is easier to claim, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to command, ‘Rise and walk’? What do you think is simpler: to restore the body’s strength or to liberate the soul from transgressions? Clearly, it is simpler to restore the body. However, because the healing of the soul is intangible while the healing of the body is observable, you perceive my words as empty; yet here lies further evidence of my divine authority: I disclose to you the hidden thoughts within your hearts. Are you silent? Are you prepared to reject the truths of your hearts? Furthermore, I present a third demonstration of My divinity: I heal the afflicted individual’s body.

To enhance their understanding, He posed a question: “Which is simpler to declare, ‘Your sins are forgiven, and as a result, you will be made whole,’ or to say plainly, ‘Get up and walk’ (Luke 5:23)?” If divine power is essential for the remission of sins, it is equally required for the cure of ailments, which may depart once the root cause—namely, the forgiveness of sins—has been eradicated.

"Which is simpler" to declare, "Arise and walk," holds no greater ease than to proclaim, "Your sins are forgiven." Both declarations necessitate the same divine authority, as a person afflicted can only rise and walk, meaning they can only be restored, when the root of their affliction—sin—is eradicated or absolved. "Yet because the restoration of the spirit is not visible, while the healing of the body is apparent, I include the latter, which, while lesser, is more discernible, so that through it I may confirm the higher, unseen reality."

The compassionate one perceived their deepest thoughts and asked, ‘Why do you harbor such thoughts in your hearts? Which is easier - to declare to the afflicted man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to command, ‘Get up, take your mat, and walk?’ The healing of the spirit - the granting of forgiveness is an unseen work of God’s grace, while the restoration of the body is a tangible display of the Creator’s limitless power.