22 Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he asked them, “Why do you question this in your hearts?
23 Is it easier to say ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Stand up and walk’?
24 So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!”
25 And immediately, as everyone watched, the man jumped up, picked up his mat, and went home praising God.
26 Everyone was gripped with great wonder and awe, and they praised God, exclaiming, “We have seen amazing things today!”
27 Later, as Jesus left the town, he saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at his tax collector’s booth. “Follow me and be my disciple,” Jesus said to him.
28 So Levi got up, left everything, and followed him.