New International Reader's Version

Matthew 9:8-13 New International Reader's Version (NIRV)

8. When the crowd saw this, they were filled with wonder. They praised God for giving that kind of authority to men.

9. As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew. He was sitting at the tax collector's booth. "Follow me," Jesus told him. Matthew got up and followed him.

10. Later Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house. Many tax collectors and "sinners" came. They ate with Jesus and his disciples.

11. The Pharisees saw this. So they asked the disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?"

12. Jesus heard that. So he said, "Those who are healthy don't need a doctor. Sick people do.

13. Go and learn what this means, 'I want mercy and not sacrifice.' (Hosea 6:6) I have not come to get those who think they are right with God to follow me. I have come to get sinners to follow me."