Matthew 9:6
But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.
Matthew 9:6
This verse is a direct theological statement anchored in a miracle; Jesus heals a paralytic to demonstrate divine authority to forgive sins. The sequence—“that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins”—is a deliberate teaching moment. The physical action follows the spiritual claim: Jesus instructs the sick man to “arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thy house.” The act is both healing and vindication. In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus often uses signs to reveal the nature of His mission: healings confirm proclamation of the kingdom and forgiveness, which otherwise would remain inaccessible. The phrase “Son of man” has deep Old Testament resonance (Daniel 7) and emphasizes Jesus’ messianic role and humanity. The crowd witnesses not only compassion but also the authoritative power of Jesus to re-write a person’s life and status within community.
Theologically, this passage anchors two essential truths: forgiveness is a real, tangible power accessible through Jesus, not earned by ritual or human merit, and Jesus is the authoritative agent through whom this mercy comes. The healing then functions as a sign of the deeper reality—restoration of relationship with God. It also reframes healing as a mission outcome: the body is healed as a visible demonstration of the inward reality of grace. The use of “Son of Man” emphasizes Jesus’ human vulnerability paired with divine empowerment, a mystery central to Christian faith.
Today, this passage invites believers to trust Jesus with both inner guilt and outer pain. If you carry a burden of guilt or shame, bring it to the one who forgives—confess and receive forgiveness, remembering the healing that follows. For those caring for the physically afflicted, let healing be more than relief of symptoms; point people toward the ultimate source of restoration—God’s mercy. Communities can demonstrate this by embodying forgiveness in relationships, restoring dignity, and welcoming those considered outsiders. Also, reflect on how you witness to others of Jesus’ authority: do your actions align with the truth that forgiveness is the centerpiece of his work?
Cross-References: Luke 5:24; Mark 2:9; Isaiah 43:25; Jeremiah 31:34; Hebrews 9:14