18. and some people came carrying a crippled man on a mat. They tried to take him inside the house and put him in front of Jesus.
19. But because of the crowd, they could not get him to Jesus. So they went up on the roof, where they removed some tiles and let the mat down in the middle of the room.
20. When Jesus saw how much faith they had, he said to the crippled man, “My friend, your sins are forgiven.”
21. The Pharisees and the experts began arguing, “Jesus must think he is God! Only God can forgive sins.”
22. Jesus knew what they were thinking, and he said, “Why are you thinking that?
23. Is it easier for me to tell this crippled man that his sins are forgiven or to tell him to get up and walk?
24. But now you will see that the Son of Man has the right to forgive sins here on earth.” Jesus then said to the man, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk home.”
25. At once the man stood up in front of everyone. He picked up his mat and went home, giving thanks to God.
26. Everyone was amazed and praised God. What they saw surprised them, and they said, “We have seen a great miracle today!”
27. Later, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the place for paying taxes. Jesus said to him, “Come with me.”
28. Levi left everything and went with Jesus.
29. In his home Levi gave a big dinner for Jesus. Many tax collectors and other guests were also there.
30. The Pharisees and some of their teachers of the Law of Moses grumbled to Jesus' disciples, “Why do you eat and drink with those tax collectors and other sinners?”
31. Jesus answered, “Healthy people don't need a doctor, but sick people do.
32. I didn't come to invite good people to turn to God. I came to invite sinners.”
33. Some people said to Jesus, “John's followers often pray and go without eating, and so do the followers of the Pharisees. But your disciples never go without eating or drinking.”