2
Here they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. Seeing their faith Jesus said to the paralytic, "Take courage, my child; your sins are pardoned."
3
"Such language is impious," said some of the Scribes among themselves.
4
Knowing their thoughts Jesus said, "Why are you cherishing evil thoughts in your hearts?
5
Why, which is easier? --to say, `Your sins are pardoned,' or to say `Rise up and walk'?
6
But, to prove to you that the Son of Man has authority on earth to pardon sins" --He then says to the paralytic, "Rise, and take up your bed and go home."
7
And he got up, and went off home.
8
And the crowds were awe-struck when they saw it, and ascribed the glory to God who had entrusted such power to a man.
9
Passing on thence Jesus saw a man called Matthew sitting at the Toll Office, and said to him, "Follow me." And he arose, and followed Him.
10
And while He was reclining at table, a large number of tax-gathers and notorious sinners were of the party with Jesus and His disciples.
11
The Pharisees noticed this, and they inquired of His disciples, "Why does your Teacher eat with the tax-gatherers and notorious sinners?"
12
He heard the question and replied, "It is not men in good health who require a doctor, but the sick.