1. Jesus got into a boat and crossed back over to the town where he lived.
2. Some people soon brought to him a crippled man lying on a mat. When Jesus saw how much faith they had, he said to the crippled man, “My friend, don't worry! Your sins are forgiven.”
3. Some teachers of the Law of Moses said to themselves, “Jesus must think he is God!”
4. But Jesus knew what was in their minds, and he said, “Why are you thinking such evil things?
5. Is it easier for me to tell this crippled man that his sins are forgiven or to tell him to get up and walk?
6. But I will show you that the Son of Man has the right to forgive sins here on earth.” So Jesus said to the man, “Get up! Pick up your mat and go on home.”
7. The man got up and went home.
8. When the crowds saw this, they were afraid and praised God for giving such authority to people.
9. As Jesus was leaving, he saw a tax collector named Matthew sitting at the place for paying taxes. Jesus said to him, “Come with me.” Matthew got up and went with him.
10. Later, Jesus and his disciples were having dinner at Matthew's house. Many tax collectors and other sinners were also there.
11. Some Pharisees asked Jesus' disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and other sinners?”
12. Jesus heard them and answered, “Healthy people don't need a doctor, but sick people do.
13. Go and learn what the Scriptures mean when they say, ‘Instead of offering sacrifices to me, I want you to be merciful to others.’ I didn't come to invite good people to be my followers. I came to invite sinners.”
14. One day some followers of John the Baptist came and asked Jesus, “Why do we and the Pharisees often go without eating, while your disciples never do?”
15. Jesus answered:The friends of a bridegroom don't go without eating while he is still with them. But the time will come when he will be taken from them. Then they will go without eating.