20
When He saw their faith, He said to him, "Man, your sins are forgiven you."
21
And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, "Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?"
22
But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, He answered and said to them, "Why are you reasoning in your hearts?
23
Which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven you,' or to say, 'Rise up and walk'?
24
But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins"--He said to the man who was paralyzed, "I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house."
25
Immediately he rose up before them, took up what he had been lying on, and departed to his own house, glorifying God.
26
And they were all amazed, and they glorified God and were filled with fear, saying, "We have seen strange things today!"
27
After these things He went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, "Follow Me."
28
So he left all, rose up, and followed Him.
29
Then Levi gave Him a great feast in his own house. And there were a great number of tax collectors and others who sat down with them.
30
And their scribes and the Pharisees complained against His disciples, saying, "Why do You eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?"