Gospel according to Matthew

Behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, "This man blasphemes."

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

For which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven;' or to say, 'Get up, and walk?'

But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins..." (then he said to the paralytic), "Get up, and take up your mat, and go up to your house."

He arose and departed to his house.

But when the multitudes saw it, they marveled and glorified God, who had given such authority to men.

As Jesus passed by from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax collection office. He said to him, "Follow me." He got up and followed him.

It happened as he sat in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Jesus and his disciples.

When the Pharisees saw it, they said to his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?"