Jesus Restores Two Demon-Possessed Men^(A)

²⁸ When he arrived at the other side in the region of the Gadarenes,^[a] two demon-possessed^(B) men coming from the tombs met him. They were so violent that no one could pass that way. ²⁹ “What do you want with us,^(C) Son of God?” they shouted. “Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?”^(D)

³⁰ Some distance from them a large herd of pigs was feeding. ³¹ The demons begged Jesus, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs.”

³² He said to them, “Go!” So they came out and went into the pigs, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and died in the water. ³³ Those tending the pigs ran off, went into the town and reported all this, including what had happened to the demon-possessed men. ³⁴ Then the whole town went out to meet Jesus. And when they saw him, they pleaded with him to leave their region.^(E)

Jesus Forgives and Heals a Paralyzed Man^(F)

9 Jesus stepped into a boat, crossed over and came to his own town.^{(G) 2} Some men brought to him a paralyzed man,^(H) lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith,^(I) he said to the man, “Take heart,^(J) son; your sins are forgiven.”^(K)

³ At this, some of the teachers of the law said to themselves, “This fellow is blaspheming!”^(L)

⁴ Knowing their thoughts,^(M) 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^(N) has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the paralyzed man, “Get up, take your mat and go home.” ⁷ Then the man got up and went home. ⁸ When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe; and they praised God,^(O) who had given such authority to man.

Psalm 19^[a]

For the director of music. A psalm of David.