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When Jesus saw how much faith they had, he said to the man, "Your sins are forgiven, my friend."
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The teachers of the Law and the Pharisees began to say to themselves, "Who is this man who speaks such blasphemy! God is the only one who can forgive sins!"
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Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, "Why do you think such things?
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Is it easier to say, "Your sins are forgiven you,' or to say, "Get up and walk'?
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I will prove to you, then, that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins." So he said to the paralyzed man, "I tell you, get up, pick up your bed, and go home!"
25
At once the man got up in front of them all, took the bed he had been lying on, and went home, praising God.
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They were all completely amazed! Full of fear, they praised God, saying, "What marvelous things we have seen today!"
27
After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting in his office. Jesus said to him, "Follow me."
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Levi got up, left everything, and followed him.
29
Then Levi had a big feast in his house for Jesus, and among the guests was a large number of tax collectors and other people.
30
Some Pharisees and some teachers of the Law who belonged to their group complained to Jesus' disciples. "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and other outcasts?" they asked.
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