²⁰ And seeing their faith, He said, “^[a]Friend, ^(A)your sins are forgiven you.” ²¹ The scribes and the Pharisees ^(B)began thinking of the implications, saying, “^(C)Who is this man who speaks blasphemies? ^(D)Who can forgive sins, except God alone?” ²² But Jesus, ^[b]aware of their thoughts, responded and said to them, “Why are you thinking this way in your hearts?