21
Then the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, "Who is this who is speaking blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?"
22
When Jesus perceived their questionings, he answered them, "Why do you raise such questions in your hearts?
23
Which is easier, to say, "Your sins are forgiven you,' or to say, "Stand up and walk'?
24
But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins"—he said to the one who was paralyzed—"I say to you, stand up and take your bed and go to your home."
25
Immediately he stood up before them, took what he had been lying on, and went to his home, glorifying God.
26
Amazement seized all of them, and they glorified God and were filled with awe, saying, "We have seen strange things today."
27
After this he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, "Follow me."
28
And he got up, left everything, and followed him.
29
Then Levi gave a great banquet for him in his house; and there was a large crowd of tax collectors and others sitting at the table with them.
30
The Pharisees and their scribes were complaining to his disciples, saying, "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?"
31
Jesus answered, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick;