because He was teaching them like one who had authority, and not like their scribes.

But some of the scribes were sitting there, thinking to themselves:

"Why does He speak like this? He's blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?"

For from within, out of people's hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immoralities, thefts, murders,

Then the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason: "Who is this man who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?"

When the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he said to himself, "This man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what kind of woman this is who is touching Him-- she's a sinner!"

Jesus replied to him, "Simon, I have something to say to you." "Teacher," he said, "say it."

Then the high priest tore his robes and said, "He has blasphemed! Why do we still need witnesses? Look, now you've heard the blasphemy!

Whoever blasphemes the name of the LORD is to be put to death; the whole community must stone him. If he blasphemes the Name, he is to be put to death, whether the foreign resident or the native.

You have heard the blasphemy! What is your decision?" And they all condemned Him to be deserving of death.

"We aren't stoning You for a good work," the Jews answered, "but for blasphemy, because You-- being a man-- make Yourself God."

If He called those whom the word of God came to 'gods'-- and the Scripture cannot be broken--

Then they induced men to say, "We heard him speaking blasphemous words against Moses and God!"

They also presented false witnesses who said, "This man does not stop speaking blasphemous words against this holy place and the law.