And he entered into a boat, and crossed over, and came into his own city. 2And behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, be of good cheer; thy sins are forgiven. 3And behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth. 4And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? 5For which is easier, to say, Thy sins are forgiven; or to say, Arise, and walk? 6But that ye may know that the Son of man hath authority on earth to forgive sins (then saith he to the sick of the palsy), Arise, and take up thy bed, and go unto thy house. 7And he arose, and departed to his house. 8But when the multitudes saw it, they were afraid, and glorified God, who had given such authority unto men.

9And as Jesus passed by from thence, he saw a man, called Matthew, sitting at the place of toll: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.

10And it came to pass, as he sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with Jesus and his disciples. 11And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Teacher with the publicans and sinners? 12But when he heard it, he said, They that are whole have no need of a physician, but they that are sick. 13But go ye and learn what this meaneth, I desire mercy, and not sacrifice: for I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.