My hands have made both heaven and earth;

they and everything in them are mine.

I, the LORD, have spoken.

“I will bless those who have humble and contrite hearts,

who tremble at my word.”

Isaiah 66:2

The LORD says,

“I was ready to respond,

but no one asked for help.

I was ready to be found,

but no one was looking for me.

I said, “Here I am, here I am!”

to a nation that did not call on my name.

Isaiah 65:1

Jesus knew immediately what they were thinking,

so he asked them,

“Why do you question this in your hearts?

Is it easier to say to the paralyzed man

‘Your sins are forgiven,’

or

’Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk’?

So I will prove to you that the Son of Man

has the authority on earth to forgive sins.”

Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said,

“Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!”

Mark 2:8-11