Which is Easier? - Matthew 9:1-8

“Which Is Easier?”

July 13, 2025

Matthew 9:1-8

Study Questions

1.    Why do you think Jesus begins his conversation with the paralytic by telling him to “take heart,” and assuring him that his sins are forgiven? (v.2) What part did his “faith” play into this forgiveness? (v.2)

2.    How did the Scribes react? Why did they react like this? Why does Jesus charge the Scribes with “evil”? (v.4) Why is this question Jesus asked so difficult to answer: “For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’?” (v.5)

3.    In what ways does the paralytic’s faith (and that of his friends) stand in stark contrast with the response of the Scribes?

4.    What was Jesus’ reason for exercising His authority to forgive sins? (9:5-6) 

5.    How did the people gathered around react to this healing? How do the various responses from the crowd and the religious leaders reflect different understandings of Jesus’ authority?

6.    How can we have assurance in Jesus’ forgiveness, even when it is not accompanied by a sign like the one in our passage? (What passages of Scripture would you point to in support of this?)