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.