19
But they could not find a way to get him into the house because of the crowd. So they went up on the roof. They made an opening in the tiles and let the man down on his stretcher among the people. (They lowered him in front of Jesus.)
20
When Jesus saw their faith, he said, "Sir, your sins are forgiven."
21
The scribes and the Pharisees thought, "Who is this man? He's dishonoring God! Who besides God can forgive sins?"
22
Jesus knew what they were thinking. So he said to them, "What are you thinking?
23
Is it easier to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk'?
24
I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins." Then he said to the paralyzed man, "Get up, pick up your stretcher, and go home."
25
The man immediately stood up in front of them and picked up the stretcher he had been lying on. Praising God, he went home.
26
Everyone was amazed and praised God. They were filled with awe and said, "We've seen things today we can hardly believe!"
27
After that, Jesus left. He saw a tax collector named Levi sitting in a tax office. Jesus said to him, "Follow me!"
28
So Levi got up, left everything, and followed him.
29
Levi held a large reception at his home for Jesus. A huge crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them.