The Life of Jesus

And Simon's wife's mother lay in a fit of a fever: and forthwith they tell him of her.

And coming to her, he lifted her up, taking her by the hand; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them.

And when it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all that were ill and that were possessed with devils.

And all the city was gathered together at the door.

And he healed many that were troubled with divers diseases. And he cast out many devils: and he suffered them not to speak, because they knew him.

And rising very early, going out, he went into a desert place: and there he prayed.

And Simon and they that were with him followed after him.

And when they had found him, they said to him: All seek for thee.

And he saith to them: Let us go into the neighbouring towns and cities, that I may preach there also; for to this purpose am I come.

And he was preaching in their synagogues and in all Galilee and casting out devils.

And there came a leper to him, beseeching him and kneeling down, said to him: If thou wilt thou canst make me clean.

And Jesus, having compassion on him, stretched forth his hand and touching him saith to him: I will. Be thou made clean.

And when he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him: and he was made clean.

And he strictly charged him and forthwith sent him away.

And he saith to him: See thou tell no one; but go, shew thyself to the high priest and offer for thy cleansing the things that Moses commanded, for a testimony to them.

But he being gone out, began to publish and to blaze abroad the word: so that he could not openly go into the city. but was without in desert places. And they flocked to him from all sides.

And again he entered into Capharnaum after some days.

And it was heard that he was in the house. And many came together, so that there was no room: no, not even at the door. And he spoke to them the word.

And they came to him, bringing one sick of the palsy, who was carried by four.

And when they could not offer him unto him for the multitude, they uncovered the roof where he was: and opening it, they let down the bed wherein the man sick of the palsy lay.

And when Jesus had seen their faith, he saith to the sick of the palsy: Son, thy sins are forgiven thee.

And there were some of the scribes sitting there and thinking in their hearts:

Why doth this man speak thus? He blasphemeth. Who can forgive sins, but God only?

Which Jesus presently knowing in his spirit that they so thought within themselves, saith to them: Why think you these things in your hearts?

Which is easier, to say to the sick of the palsy: Thy sins are forgiven thee; or to say: Arise, take up thy bed and walk?