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 (Mr 2:3). Jesus saw their faith. This demonstrates the effect our intercession in faith can have upon others. However, although our faith released on behalf of others is powerful, it is not a substitute for their faith; it's simply a help. Those who are to receive the miracle must have some degree of faith also. Even Jesus could not produce healing in those who would not believe (Mr 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 (Mt 9:7) without having to be helped.

Note 2 at Mt 9:2: Why did Jesus minister forgiveness of sins to this man instead of ministering to his obvious need for healing? Probable reasons for this would include the following: (1) God is more concerned with the spiritual health of people than their physical health (1Sa 16:7 and Mt 5:29-30). (2) Jesus, through a word of knowledge (1Co 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 - Joh 9:2-3), sickness is a direct result of sin (Joh 5:8-9 and 14). Therefore, Jesus would have been dealing with the very root of the paralysis, and just as with the fig tree in Mr 11:13-14 and 20, the physical manifestation would have followed. (4) Whether or not this man's paralysis was a direct result of sin, sin in his life that had not been forgiven would allow Satan to keep him in his bondage (Ro 6:16). Through Jesus forgiving this man's sins, he was free to receive all the blessings of God, which certainly included healing (De 7:15 and Ps 103:3).