Matthew Henry Commentary Matthew 9:1-8

"And he entered into a boat, and crossed over, and came into his own city. And behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, be of good cheer; thy sins are forgiven. And behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth. 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 9:1-8 (ASV)

The faith of the paralytic's friends in bringing him to Christ was a strong faith; they firmly believed that Jesus Christ both could and would heal him. A strong faith is not deterred by any obstacles when pressing on toward Christ. It was a humble faith; they brought him to seek Christ's help. It was an active faith. Sin may be pardoned, yet the sickness not removed; the sickness may be removed, yet the sin not pardoned; but if we have the comfort of peace with God, along with the comfort of recovery from sickness, this makes the healing a mercy indeed.

This is no encouragement to sin. If you bring your sins to Jesus Christ as your malady and misery, to be cured of them and delivered from them, that is good; but to come with them as your darlings and delight, thinking you can still hold onto them and receive him, is a gross mistake, a miserable delusion. The great intention of the blessed Jesus in the redemption he accomplished is to separate our hearts from sin. Our Lord Jesus has perfect knowledge of all that we say within ourselves.

There is a great deal of evil in sinful thoughts, which is very offensive to the Lord Jesus. Christ intended to show that his great mission to the world was to save his people from their sins. He turned from disputing with the scribes and spoke healing to the sick man. Not only did he no longer need to be carried on his bed, but he also had the strength to carry it.

God must be glorified in all the power that is given to do good.