Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 9:4-8

"And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, Thy sins are forgiven; or to say, Arise, and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath authority on earth to forgive sins (then saith he to the sick of the palsy), Arise, and take up thy bed, and go up unto thy house. And he arose, and departed to his house. But when the multitudes saw it, they were afraid, and glorified God, who had given such authority unto men." — Matthew 9:4-8 (ASV)

And Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, "Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, 'Your sins be forgiven you'; or to say, 'Arise, and walk'? But that you may know that the Son of man has power on earth to forgive sins," (then he says to the sick of the palsy,) "Arise, take up your bed, and go to your house." And he arose, and departed to his house. But when the multitudes saw it, they marveled, and glorified God, who had given such power to men.

They rightly saw in this miracle, performed by Christ, power given to man, for, as you observe, Christ said, "The Son of man has power on earth to forgive sins;" and these people magnified God that one Man should have such power granted to him. There is an elevation to the whole of manhood in the alliance of Christ with it; through him the Lord has given great power to men.