22. But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said, “Why are you thinking these things?
23. Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and walk’?
24. But I will prove to you that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “I tell you, stand up, take your mat, and go home.”
25. At once the man stood up before them, picked up his mat, and went home, praising God.
26. All the people were fully amazed and began to praise God. They were filled with much respect and said, “Today we have seen amazing things!”
27. After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector named Levi sitting in the tax collector’s booth. Jesus said to him, “Follow me!”
28. So Levi got up, left everything, and followed him.