21
The Jewish teachers of the law and the Pharisees thought to themselves, "Who is this man who is speaking as if he were God? Only God can forgive sins."
22
But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said, "Why are you thinking these things?
23
Which is easier: to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Stand up and walk'?
24
But I will prove to you that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins." So Jesus said to the paralyzed man, "I tell you, stand up, take your mat, and go home."
25
At once the man stood up before them, picked up his mat, and went home, praising God.
26
All the people were fully amazed and began to praise God. They were filled with much respect and said, "Today we have seen amazing things!"
27
After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector named Levi sitting in the tax collector's booth. Jesus said to him, "Follow me!"
28
So Levi got up, left everything, and followed him.
29
Then Levi gave a big dinner for Jesus at his house. Many tax collectors and other people were eating there, too.
30
But the Pharisees and the men who taught the law for the Pharisees began to complain to Jesus' followers, "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?"
31
Jesus answered them, "It is not the healthy people who need a doctor, but the sick.