Note 1 at Mt. 9:2: It was not only the faith of the paralytic that Jesus saw, but also, that of his four friends (Mk. 2:3). This demonstrates the effect our intercession in faith can have upon others. Jesus saw their faith. However, although our faith released on behalf of others is powerful, it is not a substitute for their faith but simply a help. The person who is to receive the miracle must have some degree of faith, also. Even Jesus could not produce healing in those who would not believe (Mk. 6:5-6). In this instance, it is evident that the paralytic himself also had faith because he was not resistant to the four who brought him, and he got up and obeyed Jesus' command (v. 7) without having to be helped.

Note 2 at Mt. 9:2: Why did Jesus minister forgiveness of sins to this man instead of to the obvious need he had of healing? Probable reasons for this would include: (1) God is more concerned with the spiritual health of a man than his physical health (1 Sam. 16:7; Mt. 5:29-30). (2) Jesus, through a word of knowledge (1 Cor. 12:8), may have perceived that the real heart-cry of this man was to be reconciled to God. (3) In some instances (not all--Jn. 9:2- 3), sickness was a direct result of sin (Jn. 5:8,9,14). Therefore, Jesus would be dealing with the very root of the paralysis, and just as with the fig tree in Mark 11:13- 14,20, the physical manifestation would follow. (4) Whether or not this man's paralysis was a direct result of sin, sin in our life that has not been forgiven will allow Satan to keep us in his bondage (Rom. 6:16). Through Jesus forgiving this man's sins, he was free to receive all the blessings of God, which certainly included healing (Dt. 7:15; Ps. 103:3).