² “Tell us by what authority you are doing these things,” they said. “Who gave you this authority?”^(A)

³ He replied, “I will also ask you a question. Tell me: ⁴ John’s baptism^(B)—was it from heaven, or of human origin?”

⁵ They discussed it among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Why didn’t you believe him?’ ⁶ But if we say, ‘Of human origin,’ all the people^(C) will stone us, because they are persuaded that John was a prophet.”^(D)

⁷ So they answered, “We don’t know where it was from.”

⁸ Jesus said, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.”

⁴ Knowing their thoughts,^(A) Jesus said, “Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts? ⁵ Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? ⁶ But I want you to know that the Son of Man^(B) has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the paralyzed man, “Get up, take your mat and go home.”

⁸ Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, “Why are you thinking these things? ⁹ Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? ¹⁰ But I want you to know that the Son of Man^(A) has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the man,

²² Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? ²³ Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? ²⁴ But I want you to know that the Son of Man^(A) has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the paralyzed man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.”

⁸ But Jesus knew what they were thinking^(A) and said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Get up and stand in front of everyone.” So he got up and stood there.

⁹ Then Jesus said to them, “I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?”

¹⁰ He looked around at them all, and then said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He did so, and his hand was completely restored.

Testimonies About Jesus

³¹ “If I testify about myself, my testimony is not true.^{(A) 32} There is another who testifies in my favor,^(B) and I know that his testimony about me is true.

³³ “You have sent to John and he has testified^(C) to the truth. ³⁴ Not that I accept human testimony;^(D) but I mention it that you may be saved.^{(E) 35} John was a lamp that burned and gave light,^(F) and you chose for a time to enjoy his light.

³⁶ “I have testimony weightier than that of John.^(G) For the works that the Father has given me to finish—the very works that I am doing^(H)—testify that the Father has sent me.^{(I) 37} And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me.^(J) You have never heard his voice nor seen his form,^{(K) 38} nor does his word dwell in you,^(L) for you do not believe^(M) the one he sent.^(N)

¹⁷ In your own Law it is written that the testimony of two witnesses is true.^{(A) 18} I am one who testifies for myself; my other witness is the Father, who sent me.”^(B)

¹⁹ Then they asked him, “Where is your father?”

“You do not know me or my Father,”^(C) Jesus replied. “If you knew me, you would know my Father also.”^(D)

³⁹ By this he meant the Spirit,^(A) whom those who believed in him were later to receive.^(B) Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.^(C)

⁴⁰ On hearing his words, some of the people said, “Surely this man is the Prophet.”^(D)

¹⁰ Whoever believes in the Son of God accepts this testimony.^(A) Whoever does not believe God has made him out to be a liar,^(B) because they have not believed the testimony God has given about his Son.