22
Jesus knew exactly what they were thinking and said, "Why all this gossipy whispering?
23
Which is simpler: to say 'I forgive your sins,' or to say 'Get up and start walking'?
24
Well, just so it's clear that I'm the Son of Man and authorized to do either, or both. . . ." He now spoke directly to the paraplegic: "Get up. Take your bedroll and go home."
25
Without a moment's hesitation, he did it - got up, took his blanket, and left for home, giving glory to God all the way.
26
The people rubbed their eyes, incredulous - and then also gave glory to God. Awestruck, they said, "We've never seen anything like that!"
27
After this he went out and saw a man named Levi at his work collecting taxes. Jesus said, "Come along with me."
28
And he did - walked away from everything and went with him.
29
Levi gave a large dinner at his home for Jesus. Everybody was there, tax men and other disreputable characters as guests at the dinner.
30
The Pharisees and their religion scholars came to his disciples greatly offended. "What is he doing eating and drinking with crooks and 'sinners'?"
31
Jesus heard about it and spoke up, "Who needs a doctor: the healthy or the sick?
32
I'm here inviting outsiders, not insiders - an invitation to a changed life, changed inside and out."