¹⁵ And as he reclined at table in his house, many ^(A)tax collectors and sinners were reclining with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. ¹⁶ And ^(B)the scribes of^[a] the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, ^(C)“Why does he eat^[b] with tax collectors and sinners?” ¹⁷ And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. ^(D)I came not to call the righteous, ^(E)but sinners.”

³⁴ When he went ashore he ^(A)saw a great crowd, and ^(B)he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things.

Let the Children Come to Me

^13 (A)And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples ^(B)rebuked them. ¹⁴ But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, ^(C)“Let the children come to me; ^(D)do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. ^15 (E)Truly, I say to you, whoever does not ^(F)receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” ¹⁶ And ^(G)he took them in his arms and blessed them, ^(H)laying his hands on them.