What is the meaning of Mark 2:10?

But so that you may know

Jesus speaks directly to the skeptical scribes crowded into the house (Mark 2:6–7).

• He invites them— and us— to move from doubt to certainty.

• Throughout Scripture, God confirms His words with deeds (Exodus 4:5; 1 Kings 18:37–38).

• This phrase sets up the miracle as visible proof of an invisible reality.

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that the Son of Man

• “Son of Man” is Jesus’ favorite self-title, echoing Daniel 7:13-14 where the heavenly “Son of Man” receives everlasting dominion.

• By using it, Jesus links Himself to messianic authority while standing among ordinary people (John 1:14).

• The scribes knew the Daniel passage; His claim confronts them with the One who bridges heaven and earth.

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has authority on earth

• Authority is the right to act, not merely the power (Matthew 28:18).

• “On earth” emphasizes that divine authority isn’t confined to heaven; it’s already present in Jesus’ earthly ministry (John 3:13; 1 John 1:2).

• This statement foreshadows Christ giving similar authority to His followers to proclaim forgiveness (John 20:21-23), yet the source remains in Him alone.

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to forgive sins…

• Forgiveness is God’s exclusive prerogative (Isaiah 43:25; Psalm 103:3).

• By claiming it, Jesus openly identifies Himself with God, which is why the scribes silently accused Him of blasphemy.

• The greatest need of the paralytic—and every person—is not merely physical healing but restored fellowship with God (Romans 5:1).

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He said to the paralytic,

• The word becomes action: “‘I tell you, get up, pick up your mat, and go home.’ Immediately the man got up…” (Mark 2:11-12).

• The visible healing validates the invisible pardon; the crowd “glorified God” because they saw a living illustration of Isaiah 35:6, “the lame will leap like a deer.”

• This pattern continues: Jesus forgives, then transforms lives (Luke 7:48-50; John 8:11).

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summary

Mark 2:10 answers the question, “Who can forgive sins but God alone?” by showing that Jesus, the prophesied Son of Man, possesses and displays God’s own authority right here on earth. His word of forgiveness is not theoretical; it is certified by miraculous power, calling every witness—then and now—to trust Him for the healing of both soul and body.