Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 9:3

"And behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth." — Matthew 9:3 (ASV)

They were afraid to speak out, but “said within themselves.” Each one of these law-writers felt a bitter feeling towards the Lord Jesus and by their looks they conspired in the charge against Him. They did not call Him “man.” The word is in italics in our version. They did not know what to call Him even in their hearts. They meant—“this”—this upstart, this nobody, this strange being, who is so great that we fear Him, so good that we hate Him.

They were blaspheming Him by their agnosticism and yet these blasphemers charged the Lord with blasphemy. Yet, supposing our Lord to be only a man, they were right. Pardon of sin is the sole prerogative of God. Who dares to usurp it?

I know that none but God can forgive, yet Jesus has forgiven me and in so doing He did not blaspheme, for He is most truly God.

And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth.

"He arrogates to himself the prerogative of God. Who can forgive sins but God only?"