5Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’?
6But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins." So he said to the paralyzed man, "Get up, take your mat and go home."
- P22
9As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. "Follow me," he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.
10While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples.
11When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?"
- P23
12On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.
13But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
- P23
Some of the teachers of the law accuse Jesus of blaspheming because Heproclaimed the paralyzed man‘s sins were forgiven, something only Godcould do. They do not realize that Jesus is the Son of God. - P24
The Phariseesalso question why Jesus would eat with tax collectors, who are known fortaking bribes and charging more than they should. Jesus points out that thePharisees care more about rituals and outward displays of piety than caringfor people. Jesus treats sinners with compassion rather than contempt,
recognizing their need for forgiveness and mercy. - P24
He not only forgives sinbut also offers physical healing and restoration. Remembering the forgiveness we received for our sins encourages us to have compassion rather thancontempt for the people around us who struggle with sin and need therestoration Jesus gives. - P24
yerDear Jesus, thank You for Your mercy and grace. Keep us humble and teachus to follow Your ways with sincere hearts. Help us show mercy to others asYou have shown mercy to us. In Your name, amen. - P25
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