20
He saw their faith and said to him, "Friend, your sins are forgiven."
21
Then the Scribes and Pharisees began to cavil, asking, "Who is this, uttering blasphemies? Who but God alone can forgive sins?"
22
Well aware of their reasonings, Jesus answered their questions by asking in turn, "What is this that you are debating in your hearts?
23
Which is easier? --to say, `Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, `Rise and walk'?
24
But to prove to you that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins" --Turning to the paralytic He said, "I bid you, Rise, take up your bed, and go home."
25
Instantly he stood up in their presence, took up the mattress on which he had been lying, and went away to his home, giving glory to God.
26
Amazement seized them all. "Glory to God!" was the abiding feeling. Yet fear flashed through their minds and they said, "We have seen strange things to-day."
27
After this He went out and noticed a tax-gatherer, Levi by name, sitting at the Toll office; and He said to him, "Follow me."
28
He rose, left everything, and followed Him.
29
Levi also gave a great entertainment at his house in honour of Jesus, and there was a large party of tax-gatherers and others at table with them.
30
This led the Pharisees and Scribes of their party to expostulate with His disciples and ask, "Why are you eating and drinking with these tax-gatherers and notorious sinners?"