But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins, then he said to the paralytic, “Get up, take your bed, and go to your home.”
In this saying Jesus openly affirms his divine authority, presenting physical healing as visible proof of the unseen reality of the forgiveness of sins. The phrase “so that you may know” is directed to those present, especially the doubters, to show that the word of the Son of Man is spoken with authority on earth. The command given to the paralytic not only heals the body, but confirms that the forgiveness of sins is real and effective, and that the healing is its result. In this way Christ unites the spiritual and the physical in one saving act, showing that his authority is complete and restoring.