1
So He got into a boat, crossed over, and came to His own city.
2
Then behold, they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, "Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you."
3
And at once some of the scribes said within themselves, "This Man blasphemes!"
4
But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, "Why do you think evil in your hearts?
5
For which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven you,' or to say, 'Arise and walk'?
6
But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins"--then He said to the paralytic, "Arise, take up your bed, and go to your house."
7
And he arose and departed to his house.
8
Now when the multitudes saw it, they marveled and glorified God, who had given such power to men.
9
As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, "Follow Me." So he arose and followed Him.