4
Jesus knew what they were thinking. He asked them, "Why are you thinking evil things?
5
Is it easier to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk'?
6
I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins." Then he said to the paralyzed man, "Get up, pick up your stretcher, and go home."
7
So the man got up and went home.
8
When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe and praised God for giving such authority to humans.
9
When Jesus was leaving that place, he saw a man sitting in a tax office. The man's name was Matthew. Jesus said to him, "Follow me!" So Matthew got up and followed him.
10
Later Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house. Many tax collectors and sinners came to eat with Jesus and his disciples.
11
The Pharisees saw this and asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?"
12
When Jesus heard that, he said, "Healthy people don't need a doctor; those who are sick do.
13
Learn what this means: 'I want mercy, not sacrifices.' I've come to call sinners, not people who think they have God's approval."
14
Then John's disciples came to Jesus. They said, "Why do we and the Pharisees fast often but your disciples never do?"