Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?

Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day.

And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.

What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?

And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.

The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.

And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.

For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.

For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.