1And getting into a boat he crossed over and came to his own city.

2And behold, some people brought to him a paralytic, lying on a bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven."

3And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, "This man is blaspheming."

4But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, "Why do you think evil in your hearts?

5For which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise and walk'?

6But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins"--he then said to the paralytic--"Rise, pick up your bed and go home."

7And he rose and went home.

8When the crowds saw it, they were afraid, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to men.

9As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, "Follow me." And he rose and followed him.

10And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples.

11And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?"

12But when he heard it, he said, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.

13Go and learn what this means, 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.' For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners."