21
The scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, "Who is this that speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?"
22
But Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, answered them, "Why are you reasoning so in your hearts?
23
Which is easier to say, 'Your sins are forgiven you;' or to say, 'Arise and walk?'
24
But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins" (he said to the paralyzed man), "I tell you, arise, and take up your cot, and go to your house."
25
Immediately he rose up before them, and took up that which he was laying on, and departed to his house, glorifying God.
26
Amazement took hold on all, and they glorified God. They were filled with fear, saying, "We have seen strange things today."
27
After these things he went out, and saw a tax collector, named Levi, sitting at the tax office, and said to him, "Follow me."
28
He left everything, and rose up and followed him.
29
Levi made him a great feast for him in his house. There was a great crowd of tax collectors and others who were reclining with them.
30
Their scribes and the Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, "Why do you eat and drink with the tax collectors and sinners?"
31
Jesus answered them, "Those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but those who are sick do.