But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then He said to the paralytic.
This verse reveals the purpose of the miracle. Christ does not act merely to amaze people, but so that the truth of His person and authority might be made known. The title “Son of Man” at the same time recalls His humble incarnation and the messianic glory foretold in the prophet Daniel (Daniel 7:13–14). He is on earth, that is, He has appeared among people in the flesh, yet at the same time He has the authority that belongs only to God. This is great comfort for believers, because the forgiveness of sins is not a distant or unreachable idea, but a real grace revealed in Christ on earth. His healing miracle becomes a visible testimony of heavenly forgiveness.