"Jesus immediately knew in his mind what they were thinking to themselves, so he said, "Why are you thinking such things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise, pick up your mat and walk?' But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth"
-he said to the paralytic, "I say to you, rise, pick up your mat, and go home." He rose, picked up his mat at once, and went away in the sight of everyone. They were all astounded and glorified God, saying, "We have never seen anything like this.' " - Mark 2:8-12
I'm sure that, for the people of Jesus's time, many people claimed to have divine power, using trickery and deceit to convince others of who they are. But since Jesus was the real deal, he was able to perform things that no one else could do. The paralytic was just that - someone who was paralyzed, and most likely well known throughout the town. So for Jesus to take this man and heal him spoke directly to the souls of these people on a very real level - that Jesus is different, He's special, and they should listen to his words. Combine that demonstration with Jesus taking the scribes to-task on simply the thoughts they were having, and it was clear that Jesus couldn't be bested.
It's also important that we take a look at this, as well as the many other miracles Jesus performed throughout his life, as metaphors to our lives today. While we may not suffer the physical ailments of paralysis, spiritual paralysis - that is, an inability to ever expand our faith - is very present in our lives. Many times our hearts are hardened for a number of reasons, but we need to remember that however it becomes hardened, through our faith in Jesus, our spirits can be moved!
I may have to sit and think about that...
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