Matthew 9:1-13 ▼

1 And he entered the ship, and passed over, and came into his own city.

2 And behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed. And Jesus, seeing their faith, said to the palsied man: Son, be of good courage; your sins are forgiven you.

3 And behold, some of the scribes said within themselves: This man talks impiously.

4 And Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, said: "Why do evil thoughts arise in your hearts?

5 For, which is easier, to say, Your sins are forgiven; or to say, Arise, and walk?

6 But that you may know that the Son of man on earth has authority to forgive sins (then he said to the palsied man): Arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.

7 And he arose, and departed to his house.

8 And when the multitude saw it, they were astonished, and glorified God, who had given such authority to men.

9 And as Jesus passed by from that place, he saw a man named Matthew, sitting at the custom-house; and he said to him: Follow me. And he arose and followed him.

10 And it came to pass that, while Jesus was reclining at table in his house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and reclined at table with him and his disciples.

11 And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to his disciples: "Why does your teacher eat with publicans and sinners?

12 When Jesus heard it, he said to them: Those who are in health have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.

13 But go and learn what this means: I desire mercy, and not sacrifice. For I came not to call righteous men, but sinners to repentance.