19
but they couldn’t reach him because of the crowd. So they went up to the roof and took off some tiles. Then they lowered the sick man on his mat down into the crowd, right in front of Jesus.
20
Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the man, “Young man, your sins are forgiven.”
21
But the Pharisees and teachers of religious law said to themselves, “Who does he think he is? That’s blasphemy! Only God can forgive sins!”
22
Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he asked them, “Why do you question this in your hearts?
23
Is it easier to say ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Stand up and walk’?
24
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!”
25
And immediately, as everyone watched, the man jumped up, picked up his mat, and went home praising God.
26
Everyone was gripped with great wonder and awe, and they praised God, exclaiming, “We have seen amazing things today!”
27
Later, as Jesus left the town, he saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at his tax collector’s booth. “Follow me and be my disciple,” Jesus said to him.
28
So Levi got up, left everything, and followed him.
29
Later, Levi held a banquet in his home with Jesus as the guest of honor. Many of Levi’s fellow tax collectors and other guests also ate with them.