The Calling of St Matthew by Bernardo Strozzi

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Matthew 9:1-12

Matthew 9 1

He entered into a boat, and crossed over, and came into his own city.

Matthew 9 2

Behold, they brought to him a man who was paralyzed, lying on a bed. Jesus, seeing their faith, said to the paralytic, “Son, cheer up! Your sins are forgiven you.”

Matthew 9 3

Behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man blasphemes.”

Matthew 9 4

Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts?

Matthew 9 5

For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven;’ or to say, ‘Get up, and walk?’

Matthew 9 6

But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins-” (then he said to the paralytic), “Get up, and take up your mat, and go to your house.”

Matthew 9 7

He arose and departed to his house.

Matthew 9 8

But when the multitudes saw it, they marveled and glorified God, who had given such authority to men.

Matthew 9 9

As Jesus passed by from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax collection office. He said to him, “Follow me.” He got up and followed him.

Matthew 9 10

As he sat in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Jesus and his disciples.

Matthew 9 11

When the Pharisees saw it, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

Matthew 9 12

When Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but those who are sick do.