22 But Jesus knew what they were thinking. He said, “Why do you have thoughts like that in your hearts?
23 Which is easier: to tell this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to tell him, ‘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 Then the man stood up before the people there. He 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 office. Jesus said to him, “Follow me!”
28 Levi got up, left everything, and followed Jesus.