21The scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, "Who is this that speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?"
22But Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, answered them, "Why are you reasoning so in your hearts?
23Which is easier to say, `Your sins are forgiven you;` or to say, `Arise and walk?`
24But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins" (he said to the paralyzed man), "I tell you, arise, and take up your cot, and go to your house."
25Immediately he rose up before them, and took up that which he was laying on, and departed to his house, glorifying God.
26Amazement took hold on all, and they glorified God. They were filled with fear, saying, "We have seen strange things today."
27After these things he went out, and saw a tax collector, named Levi, sitting at the tax office, and said to him, "Follow me."