The Book Of Matthew Audio Bible #audiobible #biblestudy #bookofmatthew #fyp

The Gospel book of Matthew, chapter 1. The ancestors of Jesus the Messiah. This is a record of Jesus the Messiah, a descendant of David and of Abraham. We are going to list the names, but not all. Abraham was the father of Isaac. Isaac was the father of Jacob. Jacob was the father of Judah and his brothers. Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Mary gave birth to Jesus who is called the Messiah. All the names listed from verse 1-6 are the 14 generations from Abraham to David, 14 from David to the Babylonian

exile, and 14 from the Babylonian exile to the Messiah. Verse 18, this is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother Mary was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. Verse 19, Joseph, her fianceé, was a good man and did not want to disgrace her publicly. He decided to break the engagement quietly. Verse 20. As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David." The angel

said,"Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit." Verse 21, "And she will have a son, and you will name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." Verse 22, "All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord's message through his prophet." Verse 23, look, the virgin will conceive a child. She will give birth to a son and they will call him Emmanuel which means God is with us. Chapter 2:1 Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea during the reign of King

Herod. About that time some wise men from the eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem. Verse two asking, "Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose and we have come to worship him." Verse three, King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem. Verse four, he called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, "Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?" Verse 5, "In Bethlehem and Judea, they said,"For this is what the prophet wrote." Verse 6. Oh Bethlehem in the

land of Judah are not least among the ruling cities of Judah, for a ruler will come from you Who will be shepherd for my people Israel. Verse 7, then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared. Verse 8, then he told them, "Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. and when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him too. Verse 9. After this interview, the wise men went their ways, and the star

they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. Verse 10, when they saw the star, they were filled with joy. Verse 11. They entered the house and saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. And they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrr. Verse 12. When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route. For God warned them in a dream not to return to

Herod. Verse 13. After the wise men were gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. Get up, flee to Egypt with the child and his mother, the angel said, "Stay there until I tell you to return because Herod is going To search for the child to kill him." Verse 14. That night, Joseph left for Egypt with the child and Mary, his mother. Verse 15, and they stayed there until Herod's death. This fulfilled what the Lord had spoken through the prophet. I called my son out of Egypt. Verse 16. Herod was furious

when he realized that the wise men had outwitted him. He sent soldiers to kill all firstborn children in and around Bethlehem who were 2 years old and under based on the wise men's report of the stars first appearance. Verse 17, Herod's brutal action fulfilled what God had spoken through the prophet Jeremiah. Verse 18, saying a cry was heard in Rama weeping and great mourning. Rachel weeps for her children, refusing to be comforted, for they are dead. Verse 19, the return to Nazareth. When Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph

in Egypt. Verse 20, get up, the angel said, take the child and his mother back to the land of Israel because those who were trying to kill the child are dead. Verse 21. So, Joseph got up and returned to the land of Israel with Jesus and his mother. Verse 22. But when he learned that the new ruler of Judea was Herod's son, Archelaus, He was afraid to go there. Then, after being warned in a dream, he left for the region of Galilee. Verse 23. So, the family went and lived in a town called Nazareth. This

fulfilled what the prophets had said. He will be called a Nazarene. Chapter 3:1. In those days, John the Baptist came to the Judeian wilderness and began preaching. His message was in verse two, repent for your sins and turn to God, for the kingdom of heaven is near. Verse three, the prophet Isaiah was speaking about John when he said, "He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, preparing the way for the Lord's coming. Clear the road for him." Verse four, John's clothes were woven from coarse camel hair and wore a leather belt around his waist. For

food, he ate locusts and wild honey. Verse 5, people from Jerusalem and all Judea and all over the Jordan Valley went out to see and hear John. Verse 6, and when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River. Verse 7, but when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming to watch him baptize, he denounced them, you brood of snakes. He exclaimed, Who warned you to flee God's coming wrath? Verse 8, prove by the way you live That you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Verse 9, don't just say to

each other, "We are safe. We are descendants of Abraham." That means nothing. For I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones. Verse 10, even now the acts of God's judgment is poised, ready to sever the root of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire. Verse 11, I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I, so much greater that I am not worthy even to

be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. Verse 12, he is ready to separate the chaff from the wheat with his winnowing fork. Then he will clean up the threshing area, gathering the chaff with neverending fire. Verse 13, the baptism of Jesus. Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. Verse 14, but John tried to talk him out of it. I am the one who needs to be baptized by you. He said, "So why are you coming to me?" Verse

15. But Jesus said, "It should be done, for we must carry out All that God requires." So John agreed to baptize him. After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened, and he saw the spirit of God descending like a dove from heaven and settling on him. Verse 17. And a voice from heaven said, "This is my dearly loved son who brings me great joy." Chapter 4. the temptation of Jesus. Then Jesus was led by the spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. Verse two, for

40 days and 40 nights he fasted and became very hungry. Verse three, during that time the devil came and said to him, "If you are the son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread." Verse four, but Jesus told him, "No." The scriptures say, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God." Verse 5, "Then the devil took him to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the temple." Verse 6, "And he said, if you are the son of God, jump off, for

the scripture says he will order his angels to protect you, and they will hold you up with their hands so you won't even hurt your foot on a stone." Verse 7, Jesus responded, "The scripture says, 'You must not test The Lord your God." Verse 8, next the devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him the kingdom of the world and all their glory. Verse 9, "I will give it all to you." He said, "If you will kneel down and worship me." Verse 10, "Get out of here, Satan." Jesus told

him, for the scriptures say, you must worship the Lord your God and serve only him. Verse 11, then the devil went away and angels came and took care of Jesus. Verse 12, the ministry of Jesus began. When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he left Judea and returned to Galilee. Verse 13, he went first to Nazareth, then left there and moved to Capernium beside the Sea of Galilee in the region of Zebulun and Naphali. Verse 14, fulfilled what God said through the prophet Isaiah. Verse 15, in the land of Zebulun and of Napaali in

Galilee where so many Gentiles live. Verse 16, the people who sat in darkness have seen great light. And for those who lived in the land where death casts its shadow, a light has shined. Verse 17. From then on, Jesus began to preach, "Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the kingdom of heaven is near." Verse 18, the first disciple. One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, also called Peter and Andrew, throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. Verse

19, Jesus called out to them, "Come follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people." Verse 20, "And they left their nets at once and followed him." Verse 21. A little farther the shore, he saw two other brothers, James and John, sitting in a boat with their father, Zebedee, repairing their nets, and he called them to come too. Verse 22, they immediately followed him, leaving the boat and their father behind. Verse 23, the crowd followed Jesus. Jesus traveled throughout the region of Galilee, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the good news about

the kingdom of God. and he healed every kind of disease and illness. Verse 24, news about him spread as far as Syria, and people soon began bringing to him all who were sick. And whatever their sickness or diseases, or if they were demon, possessed or epileptic, or paralyzed, he healed them all. Verse 25, a large crowd followed him wherever he went. people from Galilee, the 10 towns, Jerusalem, From all over Judea, and from east of the Jordan River. Chapter 5, the Sermon on the Mount. One day, as he saw the crowd gathering, Jesus went up

the mountain side and sat down. His disciples gathered around him. In verse two, he began to teach them. Verse three, the biatitudes. God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. Verse four, God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Verse 5, God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth. Verse 6, God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied. Verse 7, God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Verse

8, God blesses those who heart are pure, for they will see God. Verse 9, God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. Verse 10, God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. Verse 11, God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sort of evil things against you because you are my followers. Verse 12, be happy about it. Be glad about it, For a reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient

prophets were persecuted in the same way. Verse 13, teaching about salt and light. You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. Verse 14, you are the light of the world, like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. Verse 15, no one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand where it gives light to everyone in the house. Verse 16, in

the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see so that everyone will praise your heavenly father. Verse 17, teaching about the law. Don't misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. Verse 18, I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God's law will disappear until its purpose is achieved. Verse 19, so if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same. You

will be called the least in the kingdom of heaven, But anyone who obeys God's law and teaches them will be great in the kingdom of heaven. Verse 20. But I warn you, unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Verse 21, teaching about anger. You have heard that our ancestors were told, "You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment." Cor 22. But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to

judgment. If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell. Verse 23. So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you. Verse 24. Leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God. Verse 25. When you are on the way to court with your adversary, settle your differences quickly. Otherwise, your accuser

may hand you over to the judge who will hand you over to an officer, and you will be thrown into prison. Verse 26. And If that happens, you surely won't be free again until you have paid the last penny. Teaching about adultery. Verse 27. You have heard the commandment that says you must not commit adultery. Verse 28. But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Verse 29. So if your eye, even your good eye, causes you to lust, gouge it out, and throw

it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. Verse 30. And if your hand, even your stronger hand, causes you to sin, cut it off, and throw it away, it is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. Verse 31, teaching about divorce. You have heard the law that says a man can divorce his wife by merely giving her a written notice of divorce. Verse 32. But I say that

a man who divorces his wife, unless she has been unfaithful causes her to commit adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman, also commits adultery. Verse 33, teaching about vows. You have also heard that our ancestors were told, "You must not break your vows. You must carry out the vows You make to the Lord." Verse 34. But I say, do not make any vows. Do not say by heaven because heaven is God's throne. Verse 35. And do not say by the earth because the earth is his foottool. And do not say by Jerusalem for Jerusalem

is the city of the great king. Verse 36. Do not even say by my head. For you can't turn one hair white or black. Verse 37. Just say a simple yes I will or no I won't. Anything beyond this is from the evil one. Verse 38, teaching about revenge. You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury. An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. Verse 39, but I say do not resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on the right cheek, for the other cheek also. Verse

40. If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat too. Verse 41. If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it 2 m. Verse 42, give to those who ask, and don't turn away from those who want to borrow. Verse 43, teaching about love for enemies. You have heard the law that says, "Love your neighbor and hate your enemy." Verse 44. But I say, "Love your enemies or pray for those who persecute you." Verse 45. In that way, you will be acting as true

children of your father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good. And he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. Verse 46. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. Verse 47. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. Verse 48. But you are to be perfect, even as your father in heaven is perfect. Chapter 6, teaching about giving to the needy. Verse one, watch

out. Don't do your good deeds publicly to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your father in heaven. Verse two, when you give to someone in need, don't do as the hypocrites do, blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity. I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. Verse three, but when you give to someone in need, don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Verse four, give your gifts in private, and your father

who sees everything will reward you. Verse 5, Teaching about prayer and fasting. When you pray, don't be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get. Verse 6, but when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your father in private. Verse 6, but when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your father in private. Then your father, who

sees everything, will reward you. Verse 7, when you pray, don't babble on and on as the Gentiles do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again. Verse 8, don't be like them, for your father knows exactly what you need, even before you ask him. Verse 9, pray like this, our father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. Verse 10, may your kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Verse 11, give us today the food we need of verse 12, and forgive

us our sins as we have forgiven those who sin against us. Verse 13, "And don't let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one." Verse 14, if you forgive Those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. Verse 15, but if you refuse to forgive others, your father will not forgive your sins. Verse 16, "And when you fast, don't make it obvious as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled, so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward

they will ever get. Verse 17, but when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Verse 18, then no one will notice that you are fasting except your father who knows what you do in private. And your father who sees everything will reward you. Verse 19, teaching about money and possessions. Don't store up treasures here on earth where moths eat them and rust destroys them and where thieves break in and steal. Verse 20. Store your treasures in heaven where moths and rust cannot destroy and thieves do not break in and steal. Verse 21. Wherever

your treasure is, here the desires of your heart will also be. Verse 22, your eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with light. Verse 23. But when your eye is unhealthy, Your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is. Verse 24. No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other. You will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God

and be enslaved to money. Verse 25. That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life, whether you have enough food and drink or enough clothes to wear. Isn't life more than food and your body more than clothing? Verse 26. Look at the birds. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly father feeds them. And aren't you far more valuable to him than they are? Verse 27, can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Verse 29. Yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as

beautifully as they are. Verse 30. And if God cares so wonderfully for wild flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? Verse 31. So don't worry about these things, saying, "What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?" Verse 32. These things dominate The thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly father already knows all your needs. Verse 33. Seek the kingdom of God above all else. And live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Verse 34.

So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today. Chapter 7. Do not judge others. Verse one, do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Verse two, for you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. Verse three. And why worry about a speck in your friend's eye when you have a log in your own? Verse four. How can you think of saying to your friend, "Let me help you get rid of

that speck in your eye when you can't see past the log in your own eye?" Verse 5, hypocrite. First get rid of the log in your own eye. Then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend's eye. Verse six, don't waste what is holy on people who are unholy. Don't throw your pearls to pigs. They will trample the pearls then turn and attack you. Verse seven, effective prayer. Keep on asking and you will receive what You ask for. Keep on seeking and you will find. Keep on knocking and the door

will be open to you. Verse 8, for everyone who asks receives, everyone who seeks finds, and to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Verse 9, you parents, if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Verse 10, or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not. Verse 11. So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly father give good gifts to those who ask him. Verse 12, the golden rule.

Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets. The narrow gate. Verse 13. You can enter God's kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to health is broad and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. Verse 14, but the gateway to life is very narrow, and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it. Verse 15, the tree and its fruit. Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep, but

are really vicious wolves. Verse 16, you can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the Way. Can you pick grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles? Verse 17, a good tree produces good fruit and a bad tree produces bad fruit. Verse 18, a good tree can't produce bad fruit and a bad tree can't produce good fruit. Verse 19, so every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire. Verse 20. Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their

actions. Verse 21. True disciples, not everyone who calls out to me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my father in heaven will enter. Verse 22. On judgment day, many will say to me, Lord, Lord, we prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name. Verse 23. But I will reply, I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God's laws. Building on a verse 24, solid foundation, anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it

is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Verse 25, though the rain comes in torrent and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won't collapse because it is built on bedrock. Verse 26. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn't obey it is foolish like a person who builds a house on sand. Verse 27. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash. Verse 28. When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his

teaching. Verse 29. For he taught with real authority, quite unlike their teachers of religious law. Chapter 8. Jesus heals a man with leprosy. Verse one. Large crowds followed Jesus as he came down the mountainside. Verse two. Suddenly, a man with leprosy approached him and knelt before him. Lord, the man said, if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean. Verse three, Jesus reached out and touched him. I am willing, he said, be healed. and instantly the leprosy disappeared. Verse four, then Jesus said to him, "Don't tell anyone about this. Instead, go to

the priest and let him examine you. Take along the offering required in the law of Moses for those who have been healed of leprosy. This will be a public testimony that you have been cleansed." The faith of a Roman officer. When Jesus returned to Capernaum, A Roman officer came and pleaded with him. Verse 6, Lord, my young servant lies in bed paralyzed and in terrible pain. Verse 7, Jesus said, I will come and heal him. Verse 8, but the officer said, Lord, I am not worthy to have you come into my home. Just say the

word from where you are, and my servant will be healed. Verse 9. I know this because I am under the authority of my superior officers and I have authority over my soldiers. I only need to say go and they go or come and they come. And if I say to my slaves do this, they do it. Verse 10. When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to those who were following him, he said, "I tell you the truth, haven't seen faith like this in all Israel." Verse 11. And I tell you this, that many Gentiles

will come from all over the world, from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the feast in the kingdom of heaven. Verse 12, but many Israelites, those for whom the kingdom was prepared, will be thrown into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and nashing of teeth. Verse 13. Then Jesus said to the Roman officer, "Go back home because you believed it has happened." And The young servant was healed that same hour. Jesus heals many people. Verse 14. When Jesus arrived at Peter's house, Peter's mother-in-law was sick in bed with

a high fever. Verse 15. But when Jesus touched her hand, the fever left her. Then she got up and prepared a meal for him. 16. That evening, many demon-possessed people were brought to Jesus. He cast out the evil spirits with a simple command, and he healed all the sick. Verse 17, this fulfilled the word of the Lord through the prophet Isaiah who said, "He took our sicknesses and removed our diseases." The cost of following Jesus. Verse 18. When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he instructed his disciples to cross to the other side of the

lake. Verse 19. Then one of the teachers of religious law said to him, "Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go." Verse 20. But Jesus replied, "Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head." Verse 21. Another of his disciples said, "Lord, first let me return home and bury my father." Verse 22. But Jesus told him, "Follow me now. Let the spiritually dead bury their own dead." Verse 23. Then Jesus got Into the boat and started across the lake with his disciples.

Verse 24. Suddenly a fierce storm struck the lake with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. Verse 25. The disciples went and woke him up shouting, "Lord, save us. Going to drown." Verse 33. The herdsmen fled to the nearby town, telling everyone what happened to the demon-possessed men. Verse 34. Then the entire town came out to meet Jesus. They begged him to go away and leave them alone. Chapter 9, verse 1. Jesus heals a paralyzed man. Jesus climbed into a boat and went back across the lake to his own town. Verse two, some

people brought to him a paralyzed man on a mat. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, "Be encouraged, my child. Your sins are forgiven." Verse three, but some of the teachers of religious law said to themselves, "That's blasphemy. Does he think he's God?" Verse four, Jesus knew what they were thinking. So he asked them, "Why do you have such evil thoughts in your hearts?" Verse 5, "Is it easier to say, your sins are forgiven, or stand up and walk?" Verse 6. So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the

authority on Earth to forgive sins. Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, "Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home." Verse 7, "And the man jumped up and went home." Verse 8, "Fear swept through the crowd as they saw this happen, and they praised God for giving humans such authority." Verse 9, Jesus calls Matthew. As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at his tax collector's booth. Follow me and be my disciple, Jesus said to him. So, Matthew got up and followed him. Verse 10. Later, Matthew invited Jesus

and his disciples to his home as dinner guests along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners. Verse 11. But when the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with such scum?" Verse 12. When Jesus heard this, he said, "Healthy people don't need a doctor. Sick people do." Verse 13. Then he added, "Now go and learn the meaning of this scripture. I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices. For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners." Verse 14,

a discussion about fasting. One day, the disciples of John the Baptist came to Jesus and Asked him, "Why don't your disciples fast like we do and the Pharisees do?" Verse 15, Jesus replied, "Do wedding guests mourn while celebrating with the groom? Of course not. But someday the groom will be taken away from them and then they will fast." Verse 16. Besides, who would patch old clothing with new cloth? For the new patch would shrink and rip away from the old cloth, leaving an even bigger tear than before. Verse 17. And no one puts new wine

into old wine skins, for the old skins would burst from the pressure, spilling the wine and ruining the skins. New wine is stored in new wine skins so that both are preserved. Jesus heals in response to faith. Verse 18. As Jesus was saying this, the leader of a synagogue came and knelt before him. My daughter has just died, he said. But you can bring her back to life again if you just come and lay your hand on her. Verse 19. So Jesus and his disciples got up and went with him. Verse 20. Just then a

woman who had suffered for 12 years with constant bleeding came up behind him. She touched the fringe of his robe. I will be healed. Verse 22. Jesus turned around and when he saw her, He said, "Daughter, be encouraged. Your faith has made you well. And the woman was healed at that moment. Verse 23. When Jesus arrived at the officials home, he saw the noisy crowd and heard the funeral music. Verse 24. Get out, he told them. The girl isn't dead. She's only asleep. But the crowd laughed at him. Verse 25. After the crowd was put

outside, however, Jesus went in and took the girl by the hand, and she stood up. Verse 26. The report of this miracle swept through the entire countryside. Jesus heals the blind. Verse 27. After Jesus left the girl's home, two blind men followed along behind him, shouting, "Son of David, have mercy on us." Verse 28. They went right into the house where he was staying. And Jesus asked them, "Do you believe I can make you see?" "Yes, Lord," they told him. We do. Verse 29. Then he touched their eyes and said, "Because of your faith, it

will happen." Verse 30, "Then their eyes were opened and they could see." Jesus sternly warned them, "Don't tell anyone about this." Verse 31, but instead they went out and spread his fame all over the region. 32 When they left, a demon-possessed man who couldn't Speak was brought to Jesus. 33 So Jesus cast out the demon, and then the man began to speak. The crowds were amazed. Nothing like this has ever happened in Israel, they exclaimed. Verse 34, but the Pharisees said, "He can cast out demons because he is empowered by the prince of demons." Verse

35, the need for workers. Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the good news about the kingdom. and he healed every kind of disease and illness. Verse 36, when he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Verse 37, he said to his disciples, "The harvest is great, but the workers are few." Verse 38, "So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest. Ask him to send more workers into his fields." Chapter

10 verse 1. Jesus sends out the 12 apostles. Jesus called his 12 disciples together and gave them authority to cast out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness. Verse two, here are the names of the twel apostles. First Simon, also called Peter, then Andrew, Peter's brother. James, Son of Zebedee. John, James's brother. Verse three. Philip Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew the tax collector, James son of Alfus, Thaddius, verse 4, Simon the Zealot, Judas a Scariot who later betrayed him. Verse 5, Jesus sent out the twel apostles with these instructions. Don't go to the

Gentiles or the Samaritans. Verse 6, but only to the people of Israel, God's lost sheep. Verse 7, go and announce to them that the kingdom of heaven is near. Verse 8, heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons if as freely as you have received. Verse 9, don't take any money in your money belts. No gold, silver, or even copper coins. Verse 10, don't carry a traveler's bag with a change of clothes and sandals or even a walking stick. Don't hesitate to accept hospitality because those who work deserve to

be fed. Verse 11, whenever you enter a city or village, search for a worthy person and stay in his home until you leave town. Verse 12, when you enter the home, give it your blessing. Verse 13, if it turns out to be a worthy home, let your blessing stand. If it is not, take back the blessing. Verse 14. If any Household or town refuses to welcome you or listen to your message, shake its dust from your feet as you leave. Verse 15, I tell you the truth, the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah will be

better off than such a town on the judgment day. Verse 16, look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves. Verse 17, but beware, for you will be handed over to the courts and will be flogged with whips in the synagogues. Verse 18, you will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers, but this will be your opportunity to tell the rulers and other unbelievers about me. Verse 19, when you are arrested, don't worry about how to respond or what to say.

God will give you the right words at the right time. Verse 20, for it is not you who will be speaking. It will be the spirit of your father speaking through you. Verse 21, a brother will betray his brother to death. A father will betray his own child, and children will rebel against their parents and cause them to be killed. Verse 22, and all nations will hate you because you are my followers, but everyone who endures to the end will be Saved. Verse 23. When you are persecuted in one town, flee to the next. I

tell you the truth, the Son of Man will return before you have reached all the towns of Israel. Verse 24, students are not greater than their teacher, and slaves are not greater than their master. Verse 25, students are to be like their teacher, and slaves are to be like their master. And since I, the master of the household, have been called the prince of demons, the members of my household will be called by even worse names. Verse 26. But don't be afraid of those who threaten you. For the time is coming when everything that is

covered will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all. Verse 27. What I tell you now in the darkness, shout abroad when daybreak comes. What I whisper in your ear, shout from the housetops for all to hear. Verse 28, don't be afraid of those who want to kill your body. They cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Verse 29, what is the price of two sparrows, one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your father knowing

it. Verse 30, and the very hairs on Your head are all numbered. Verse 31. So don't be afraid. You are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows. Verse 32. Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my father in heaven. Verse 33. But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my father in heaven. Verse 34. Don't imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth. I came not to bring peace, but a sword. Verse 35, I have come to set a man

against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. Verse 36, your enemies will be right in your own household. Verse 37, if you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine. Or if you love your son or daughter more than me, you are not worthy of being mine. Verse 38, if you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine. Verse 39, if you cling to your life, you will lose it. But if you give

up your life for me, you will find it. Verse 40, anyone who receives you receives me, and anyone who receives me receives the Father who sent me. Verse 41. If you receive a prophet as one Who speaks for God, you will be given the same reward as a prophet. And if you receive righteous people because of their righteousness, you will be given a reward like theirs. Verse 42. And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded. Chapter 11:1. Jesus and John the

Baptist. When Jesus had finished giving these instructions to his 12 disciples, he went out to teach and preach in towns throughout the region. Verse two, John the Baptist, who was in prison, heard about all the things the Messiah was doing. So he sent his disciples to ask Jesus. Verse three, are you the Messiah we've been expecting? Should we keep looking for someone else? Verse four, Jesus told them, "Go back to John and tell him what you have heard and seen." Verse 5, the blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear,

the dead are raised to life, and the good news is being preached to the poor. Verse 6, and he added, God blesses those who do not fall away because of me. Verse 7, as John's disciples were leaving, Jesus began talking about him to the crowds. What kind of man did you go into the wilderness to see? Was he a weak reed, swayed by every breath of wind? Verse 8. Or were you expecting to see a man dressed in expensive clothes? No. People with expensive clothes live in palaces. Verse 9. Were you looking for a prophet?

Yes. And he is more than a prophet. Verse 10. John is the man to whom the scriptures refer when they say, "Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, and he will prepare your way before you." Verse 11, "I tell you the truth. Of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John the Baptist. Yet even the least person in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he is. Verse 12. And from the time John the Baptist began preaching until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing and violent people are attacking

it. Verse 13. For before John came, all the prophets and the law of Moses looked forward to this present time. Verse 14. And if you are willing to accept what I say, he is Elijah, the one the prophet said would come. Verse 15, anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand. Verse 16, to what can I compare this generation? It is like children playing a game in the public square. They Complain to their friends. Verse 17, we played wedding songs and you didn't dance, so we played funeral songs and you didn't mourn. Verse 18,

for John didn't spend his time eating and drinking, and you say he's possessed by a demon. Verse 19, the son of man, on the other hand, feasts and drinks, and you say he's a glutton and a drunkard, and a friend of tax collectors and other sinners, but wisdom is shown to be right by its results. Judgment for the unbelievers. Verse 20. Then Jesus began to denounce the towns where he had done so many of his miracles because they hadn't repented of their sins and turned to God. Verse 21. What sorrow awaits you Corazin and Bethida.

For if the miracles I did in you had been done in wicked Ty and Sidon, their people would have repented of their sins long ago, clothing themselves in burlap and throwing ashes on their heads to show their remorse. Verse 22. I tell you, Ty and Sidon will be better off on judgment day than you. Verse 23. And you people of Capernium, will you be honored in heaven? No, you will go down to the place of the dead. For if the miracles I did for you had been done in wicked Sodom would still be here Today.

Verse 24, I tell you, even Sodom will be better off on judgment day than you. Jesus prayer of thanksgiving. Verse 25. At that time Jesus prayed this prayer. Oh Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever and for revealing them to the childlike. Verse 26. Yes, Father, it pleased you to do it this way. Verse 27. My father has entrusted everything to me. No one truly knows the Son except the Father, and no one truly knows the Father except the Son and those to

whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Verse 28. Then Jesus said, "Come to me all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." Verse 29, "Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls." Verse 30, "For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light." Chapter 12:1, a discussion about the Sabbath. At about that time, Jesus was walking through some grain fields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry,

so they began breaking off some heads of grain and eating them. Verse two, but some Pharisees Saw them do it and protested, "Look, your disciples are breaking the law by harvesting grain on the Sabbath." Verses three, Jesus said to them, "Haven't you read in the scriptures what David did when he and his companions were hungry?" Verses 4. He went into the house of God, and he and his companions broke the law by eating the sacred loaves of bread that only the priests are allowed to eat. VS5 and haven't you read in the law of Moses,

that the priests on duty in the temple may work on the Sabbath? Verse 6, I tell you, there is one here who is even greater than the temple. 7 But you would not have condemned my innocent disciples if you knew the meaning of this scripture. I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices. Vas 8, for the son of man is Lord even over the Sabbath. Verse 9, Jesus heals on the Sabbath. Then Jesus went over to their synagogue. Verse 10, where he noticed a man with a deformed hand. The Pharisees asked Jesus, "Does the

law permit a person to work by healing on the Sabbath? They were hoping he would say yes so they could bring charges against him. Verse 11. And he answered, "If you had a sheep that fell Into a well on the Sabbath, wouldn't you work to pull it out? Of course you would." Verse 12. And how much more valuable is a person than a sheep? Yes, the law permits a person to do good on the Sabbath. Verse 13. Then he said to the man, "Hold out your hand." So the man held out his hand and it

was restored just like the other one. Verse 14. Then the Pharisees called a meeting to plot how to kill Jesus. Verse 15. Jesus God's chosen servant. But Jesus knew what they were planning. So he left that area and many people followed him. He healed all the sick among them. Verse 16. But he warned them not to reveal who he was. 17. This fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah concerning him. 18. Look at my servant whom I have chosen. He is my beloved who pleases me. I will put my spirit upon him and he will proclaim justice

to the nations. 19. He will not fight or shout or raise his voice in public. Verse 20. He will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle. Finally, he will cause justice to be victorious. Verse 21. and his name will be the hope of all the world. Verse 22, Jesus and the prince of demons. Then a demon-possessed man who was blind and couldn't Speak was brought to Jesus. He healed the man so that he could both speak and see. Verse 23. The crowd was amazed and asked, "Could it be that Jesus is

the son of David, the Messiah?" Verse 24. But when the Pharisees heard about the miracle, they said, "No wonder he can cast out demons gets his power from Satan and the prince of demons." Verse 25, Jesus knew their thoughts and replied, "Any kingdom divided by civil war is doomed. A town or family splintered by feuding will fall apart." Verse 26, "And if Satan is casting out Satan, he is divided and fighting against himself. his own kingdom will not survive. Verse 27. And if I am empowered by Satan, what about your own exorcists? They cast out

demons too. So they will condemn you for what you have said. Verse 28. But if I am casting out demons by the spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has arrived among you. Verse 29. For who is powerful enough to enter the house of a strong man and plunder his goods? only someone even stronger, someone who could tie him up and then plunder his house. Verse 30, anyone who isn't with me opposes me, and anyone who isn't working with me is actually working against me. Verse 31, so I tell you, every sin and blasphemy

can be forgiven, except blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, which will never be forgiven. Verse 32. Anyone who speaks against the son of man can be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven, either in this world or in the world to come. Verse 33, a tree is identified by its fruit. If a tree is good, its fruit will be good. If a tree is bad, its fruit will be bad. Verse 34. You brood of snakes, how could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For whatever is in

your heart determines what you say. Verse 35, a good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. Verse 36. And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. Verse 37, the words you say will either acquit you or condemn you. The sign of Jonah. Verse 38. One day some teachers of religious law and Pharisees came to Jesus and said, "Teacher, we want you to show us a miraculous sign to

prove your authority." Verse 39. But Jesus replied, "Only an evil, adulterous Generation would demand a miraculous sign, but the only sign I will give them is the sign of the prophet Jonah." Verse 40. For as Jonah was in the belly of the great fish for 3 days and three nights, so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth for 3 days and three nights. Verse 41. The people of Nineveh will stand up against this generation on judgment day and condemn it. For they repented of their sins at the preaching of Jonah.

Now someone greater than Jonah is here, but you refuse to repent. Verse 42. The Queen of Sheba will also stand up against this generation on judgment day and condemn it. For she came from a distant land to hear the wisdom of Solomon. Now, someone greater than Solomon is here, but you refuse to listen. Verse 43, when an evil spirit leaves a person, it goes into the desert, seeking rest, but finding none. Verse 44, then it says, I will return to the person I came from. So, it returns and finds its former home empty, swept, and

in order. Verse 45. Then the spirit finds seven other spirits more evil than itself and they all enter the person and live there. And so that person is worse off than before. That Will be the experience of this evil generation. The true family of Jesus. Verse 46. As Jesus was speaking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside asking to speak to him. Verse 47. Someone told Jesus, "Your mother and your brothers are standing outside and they want to speak to you." Verse 48, Jesus asked, "Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?" Verse

49, then he pointed to his disciples and said, "Look, these are my mother and brothers." Verse 50, "Anyone who does the will of my father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother." Chapter 13, verse 1, parable of the farmer scattering seed. Later that same day, Jesus left the house and sat beside the lake. Verse two, a large crowd soon gathered around him. So he got into a boat. Then he sat there and taught as the people stood on the shore. Verse three, he told many stories in the form of parables such as this

one. Listen, a farmer went out to plant some seeds. Verse 4. As he scattered them across his field, some seeds fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate them. Verse 5, other seeds fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seeds sprouted Quickly because the soil was shallow. Verse 6, but the plants soon wilted under the hot sun, and since they didn't have deep roots, they died. Verse 7, other seeds fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants. Verse 8, still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they produced

a crop that was 30, 60, and even 100 times as much as had been planted. Verse 9, anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand. Verse 10, his disciples came and asked him, "Why do you use parables when you talk to the people?" Verse 11, he replied, "You are permitted to understand the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but others are not." Verse 12. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they

have will be taken away from them. Verse 13, that is why I use these parables. For they look, but they don't really see. They hear, but they don't really listen or understand. Verse 14. This fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah that says, "When you hear what I say, you will not understand. When You see what I do, you will not comprehend." Verse 15. For the hearts of these people are hardened, and their ears cannot hear, and they have closed their eyes, so their eyes cannot see, and their ears cannot hear, and their hearts cannot understand, and

they cannot turn to me, and let me heal them. Verse 16, but blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. Verse 17, I tell you the truth. Many prophets and righteous people long to see what you see, but they didn't see it. And they long to hear what you hear, but they didn't hear it. Verse 18. Now listen to the explanation of the parable about the farmer planting seeds. Verse 19. The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message about the kingdom and don't understand it. Then

the evil one comes and snatches away the seed that was planted in their hearts. Verse 20. The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. Verse 21. But since they don't have deep roots, they don't last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God's word. Verse 22, the seed that fell among the Thorns represents those who hear God's word. But all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth. So

no fruit is produced. Verse 23. The seed that fell on good soil represents those who truly hear and understand God's word and produce a harvest of 30, 60, or even 100 times as much as had been planted. Parable of the wheat and weeds. Verse 24. Here is another story Jesus told. The kingdom of heaven is like a farmer who planted good seed in his field. Verse 25. But that night, as the workers slept, his enemy came and planted weeds among the wheat, then slipped away. Verse 26, when the crop began to grow and produce grain,

the weeds also grew. Verse 27, the farmer's workers went to him and said, "Sir, the field where you planted that good seed is full of weeds. Where did they come from?" Verse 28, "An enemy has done this." The farmer exclaimed. "Should we pull out the weeds?" they asked. Verse 29. No, he replied. You'll uproot the wheat if you do. 30. Let both grow together until the harvest. Then I will tell the harvesters to sort out the weeds, tie them into bundles, and burn them, and to put the wheat in the barn. Parable of the mustard

seed, verse 31. Here is another illustration Jesus used. The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed planted in a field. Verse 32. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of garden plants. It grows into a tree, and birds come and make nests in its branches. Parable of the yeast. Verse 33. Jesus also used this illustration. The kingdom of heaven is like the yeast a woman used in making bread. Even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough. Verse 34.

Jesus always used stories and illustrations like these when speaking to the crowds. In fact, he never spoke to them without using such parables. Verse 35. This fulfilled what God had spoken through the prophet. I will speak to you in parables. I will explain things hidden since the creation of the world. Verse 36. Parable of the wheat and weeds explained. Then leaving the crowds outside, Jesus went into the house. His disciples said, "Please explain to us the story of the weeds in the field." Verse 37, Jesus replied, "The son of man is the farmer who plants

the good seed." Verses 38, "The field is the world, And the good seed represents the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people who belong to the evil one." Verse 39. The enemy who planted the weeds among the wheat is the devil. The harvest is the end of the world, and the harvesters are the angels. Vs 40. Just as the weeds are sorted out and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the world. VS 41, the Son of Man will send his angels, and they will remove from his kingdom

everything that causes sin and all who do evil. Verses 42. And the angels will throw them into the fiery furnace where there will be weeping and nashing of teeth. Verse 43. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in their father's kingdom. Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl. Verse 44. The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field. Verse

45. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. Verse 46. When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned And bought it. Parable of the fishing net. Verse 47. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a fishing net that was thrown into the water and caught fish of every kind. Verse 48. When the net was full, they dragged it up onto the shore, sat down, and sorted the good fish into crates, but threw the bad ones away. Verse 49, that is the way it will

be at the end of the world. The angels will come and separate the wicked people from the righteous. 50. Throwing the wicked into the fiery furnace where there will be weeping and nashing of teeth. Verse 51. Do you understand all these things? Yes, they said we do. Verse 52. Then he added, every teacher of religious law who becomes a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like a homeowner who brings from his storoom new gems of truth as well as old. Jesus rejected at Nazareth. Verse 53. When Jesus had finished telling these stories and illustrations,

he left that part of the country. Verses 54. He returned to Nazareth, his hometown. When he taught there in the synagogue, everyone was amazed and said, "Where does he get this wisdom and the power to do miracles?" Verse 55. Then they scoffed. He's just the carpenter's son. And we know Mary, his mother, and his brothers, James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas. Verse 56. All his sisters live right here among us. Where did he learn all these things? Is 57. And they were deeply offended and refused to believe in him. Then Jesus told them, "A prophet is

honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his own family." Verse 58. And so he did only a few miracles there because of their unbelief. Chapter 14 verse 1, the death of John the Baptist. When Herod Antipest, the ruler of Galilee, heard about Jesus. Verse two, he said to his advisers, "This must be John the Baptist raised from the dead, that is why he can do such miracles." Verse three, for Herod had arrested and imprisoned John as a favor to his wife, Herodius, the former wife of Herod's brother, Philillip. Verse four, John had been

telling Herod, "It is against God's law for you to marry her." Verse 5, Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of a riot because all the people believed John was a prophet. Six, but at a birthday party for Herod, Herodiius's daughter performed a dance that greatly pleased him. Verse 7, so he promised With a vow to give her anything she wanted. Verse. At her mother's urging, the girl said, "I want the head of John the Baptist on a tray." Verse 9. Then the king regretted what he had said. But because of the vow

he had made in front of his guests, he issued the necessary orders. Verse 10. So John was beheaded in the prison. Verse 11. And his head was brought on a tray and given to the girl who took it to her mother. Verse 12. Later, John's disciples came for his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus what had happened. Jesus feeds 5,000. Verse 13. As soon as Jesus heard the news, he left in a boat to a remote area to be alone. But the crowds heard where he was headed and followed on foot

from many towns. Verse 14, Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick. Verse 15. That evening the disciples came to him and said, "This is a remote place and it's already getting late. Send the crowds away so they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves." Verse 16. But Jesus said, "That isn't necessary. You feed them." Verse 17. But we have only five loaves of bread and two fish, They answered. 18. Bring them here, he said. Verse 19. Then he told

the people to sit down on the grass. Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven and blessed them. Then breaking the loaves into pieces, he gave the bread to the disciples who distributed it to the people. Verse 20. They all ate as much as they wanted. And afterward the disciples picked up 12 baskets of leftovers. Verse 21. About 5,000 men were fed that day in addition to all the women and children. Jesus walks on water. Verse 22. Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross

to the other side of the lake while he sent the people home. Verse 23. After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. Verse 24. Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. Verse 25. About 3:00 in the morning, Jesus came toward them walking on the water. Verse 26. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, "It's a ghost." Verse 27.

But Jesus spoke to them at once. Don't be afraid, he said. Take courage. I am here. Verse 28. Then Peter called to him, Lord, if it's really you, tell me to come to you walking on the water. Verse 29. Yes, come, Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. Verse 30. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. Save me, Lord, he shouted. Verse 31, Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. You have so little faith, Jesus

said. Why did you doubt me? Verse 32, when they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. Verse 33, then the disciples worshiped him. You really are the son of God, they exclaimed. Verse 34, after they had crossed the lake, they landed at Ganiseret. Verse 35. When the people recognized Jesus, the news of his arrival spread quickly throughout the whole area. And soon people were bringing all their sick to be healed. Verse 36, they begged him to let the sick touch at least the fringe of his robe, and all who touched him were healed. Chapter

15, Jesus teaches about inner purity. Some Pharisees and teachers of religious law now arrive from Jerusalem to See Jesus. They asked him, verse two, why do your disciples disobey our age-old tradition? For they ignore our tradition of ceremonial handwashing before they eat. Verse three, Jesus replied, "And why do you by your traditions violate the direct commandments of God?" Verse four, for instance, God says, "Honor your father and mother, and anyone who speaks disrespectfully of father or mother must be put to death. Verse 5. But you say it is all right for people to say to

their parents, "Sorry, I can't help you, for I have vowed to give to God what I would have given to you." Verse 6, in this way, you say they don't need to honor their parents, and so you cancel the word of God for the sake of your own tradition. Verse 7, you hypocrites. Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you, for he wrote, verse 8, "These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me." Verse 9, "Their worship is a farce, for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God." Verse 10,

then Jesus called to the crowd to come and hear. Listen, he said, and try to understand. Verse 11, it's not what goes into your mouth that defiles you. You are defiled by the words that come out of your mouth. Verse 12. Then the disciples came to him and asked, "Do you realize you offended the Pharisees by what you just said?" Verse 13, Jesus replied, "Every plant not planted by my heavenly father will be uprooted." Verse 14, "So ignore them. They are blind guides leading the blind. And if one blind person guides another, they will both

fall into a ditch." Verse 15. Then Peter said to Jesus, "Explain to us the parable that says people aren't defiled by what they eat." Verse 16, "Don't you understand yet?" Jesus asked. Verse 17, "Anything you eat passes through the stomach and then goes into the sewer." Verse 18, "But the words you speak come from the heart. That's what defiles you." Verse 19, for from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander. Verse 20, these are what defile you. Eating with unwashed hands will never defile you. The faith of a

gentile woman. Verse 21. Then Jesus left Galilee and went north to the region of Ty and Sidon. Verse 22, a gentile woman who lived there came to him pleading, "Have mercy on me, O Lord, son of David. For my daughter is possessed by a demon that torments her severely." Verse 23. But Jesus gave her no reply, not even a word. Then his disciples urged him to send her away. Tell her to go away, they said. She is bothering us with all her begging. Verse 24. Then Jesus said to the woman, "I was sent only to

help God's lost sheep, the people of Israel." Verse 25, "But she came and worshiped him, pleading again, Lord, help me." Verse 26, Jesus responded, "It isn't right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs." Verse 27, she replied, "That's true, Lord, but even dogs are allowed to eat the scraps that fall beneath their master's table." Verse 28. Dear woman, Jesus said to her, "Your faith is great. Your request is granted." And her daughter was instantly healed. Verse 29, Jesus heals many people. Jesus returned to the Sea of Galilee and climbed a

hill and sat down. Verse 30. A vast crowd brought to him people who were lame, blind, crippled, those who couldn't speak, and many others. They laid them before Jesus and he healed them all. Verse 31. The crowd was amazed. Those who hadn't been able to speak were talking. The crippled were made well. The lame were walking and the blind could see again. And they praised the God of Israel. Jesus feeds 4,000. Verse 32. Then Jesus called his disciples and told them, "I feel sorry for these people. They have been here with me for 3 days

and they have nothing left to eat. I don't want to send them away hungry or they will faint along the way. Verse 33. The disciples replied, "Where would we get enough food here in the wilderness for such a huge crowd?" Verse 34, Jesus asked, "How much bread do you have?" They replied, "Seven loaves and a few small fish." Verse 35. So Jesus told all the people to sit down on the ground. Verse 36. Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, thank God for them, and broke them into pieces. He gave them to the

disciples who distributed the food to the crowd. Verse 37, they all ate as much as they wanted. Afterward, the disciples picked up seven large baskets of leftover food. Verse 38, there were 4,000 men who were fed that day in addition to all the women and children. Verse 39. Then Jesus sent the people home and he got into a boat and crossed over to the region of Magadan. Chapter 16 verse 1. Leaders Demand a miraculous sign. One day the Pharisees and Sadducees came to test Jesus demanding that he show them a miraculous sign from heaven to

prove his authority. Verse two, he replied, "You know the saying, red sky at night means fair weather tomorrow. Verse three, red sky in the morning means foul weather all day." You know how to interpret the weather signs in the sky, but you don't know how to interpret the signs of the times. Verse four, only an evil, adulterous generation would demand a miraculous sign, but the only sign I will give them is the sign of the prophet Jonah. Then Jesus left them and went away. Yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Verse 5. Later, after they crossed

to the other side of the lake, the disciples discovered they had forgotten to bring any bread. Verse 6. Watch out, Jesus warned them. Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Verse 7. At this they began to argue with each other because they hadn't brought any bread. Verse 8. Jesus knew what they were saying. So he said, "You have so little faith. Why are you arguing with each other about having no bread?" Verse 9, "Don't you understand Even yet? Don't you remember the 5,000 I fed with five loaves and the baskets of leftovers you

picked up?" Verse 10. Or the 4,000 I fed with seven loaves and the large baskets of leftovers you picked up. Verse 11, why can't you understand that I'm not talking about bread? So again, I say, beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Verse 12, then at last they understood that he wasn't speaking about the yeast in bread, but about the deceptive teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Peter's declaration about Jesus. Verse 13. When Jesus came to the region of Cesaria Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man

is?" Verse 14. Well, they replied, "Some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets." Verse 15. Then he asked them, "But who do you say I am?" Verse 16. Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the son of the living God." Verses 17, Jesus replied, "You are blessed, Simon, son of John, because my father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being." Verses 18. Now I say to you that you are Peter, which means rock, and Upon this rock

I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. Verse 19. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven. BS 20. Then he sternly warned the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah. Jesus predicts his death. Verse verse 21. From then on, Jesus began to tell his disciples plainly that it was necessary for him to go to Jerusalem and that he would suffer many

terrible things at the hands of the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but on the third day he would be raised from the dead. Verse 22. But Peter took him aside and began to reprimand him for saying such things. Heaven forbid, Lord. He said, this will never happen to you. Verse 23. Jesus turned to Peter and said, Get away from me, Satan. You are a dangerous trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God's. Verse 24, then Jesus said to

his disciples, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me." Verse 25. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. Verse 26. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? Verse 27. For the Son of Man will come with his angels in the glory of his father, and will judge

all people according to their deeds. Verse 28. And I tell you the truth, some standing here right now will not die before they see the son of man coming in his kingdom. Chapter 17, verse one, the transfiguration. 6 days later, Jesus took Peter and the two brothers, James and John, and led them up a high mountain to be alone. Verse two, as the men watched, Jesus's appearance was transformed so that his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light. Verse three, suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared and began talking with Jesus.

Verse 4, Peter exclaimed, "Lord, it's wonderful for us to be here. If you want, I'll make three shelters as memorials, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." Verse 5. But even as he spoke, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud Said, "This is my dearly loved son who brings me great joy. Listen to him." Verse 6, the disciples were terrified and fell face down on the ground. Verse 7, then Jesus came over and touched them. "Get up," he said. "Don't be afraid." Verse 8. And when they looked up,

Moses and Elijah were gone, and they saw only Jesus. Verse 9. As they went back down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, "Don't tell anyone what you have seen until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead." Verse 10. Then his disciples asked him, "Why do the teachers of religious law insist that Elijah must return before the Messiah comes?" Verse 11. Jesus replied, "Elijah is indeed coming first to get everything ready." Verse 12, "But I tell you, Elijah has already come, but he wasn't recognized, and they chose to abuse him. And in the same

way, they will also make the Son of Man suffer." Verse 13, then the disciples realized he was talking about John the Baptist. Verse 14, Jesus heals a demon-possessed boy. At the foot of the mountain, a large crowd was waiting for them. A man came and knelt before Jesus and said, verse 15, "Lord, have mercy on my son. He has seizures And suffers terribly. He often falls into the fire or into the water." Verse 16, "So I brought him to your disciples, but they couldn't heal him." Verse 17, Jesus said, "You faithless and corrupt people, how

long must I be with you? How long must I put up with you? bring the boy here to me. Verse 18, then Jesus rebuked the demon in the boy and it left him. From that moment, the boy was well. Verse 19, Afterward, the disciples asked Jesus privately, "Why couldn't we cast out that demon?" Verse 20, "You don't have enough faith," Jesus told them. I tell you the truth, if you had faith, even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, "Move from here to there, and it would move. Nothing would be

impossible." Verse 22, Jesus again predicts his death. After they gathered again in Galilee, Jesus told them, "The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of his enemies." Verse 23, he will be killed, but on the third day he will be raised from the dead. And the disciples were filled with grief. Verse 24, payment of the temple tax. On their arrival in Capernium, collectors of the temple tax came to Peter and asked him, "Doesn't your teacher pay The temple tax?" Verse 25. "Yes, he does," Peter replied. Then he went into the house.

But before he had a chance to speak, Jesus asked him, "What do you think, Peter? Do kings tax their own people or the people they have conquered? Verse 26. They tax the people they have conquered? Peter replied. Well then, Jesus said, the citizens are free. Verse 27. However, we don't want to offend them. So go down to the lake and throw in a line. Open the mouth of the first fish you catch, and you will find a large silver coin. Take it and pay the tax for both of us. Chapter 18, verse 1. the greatest

in the kingdom. About that time, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" Verse two, Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them. Verse three, then he said, "I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the kingdom of heaven." Verse four, so anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Verse 5, and anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf

is welcoming me. Verse six, But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea. Verse 7, what sorrow awaits the world because it tempts people to sin. Temptations are inevitable, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting. Verse 10. So if your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It's better to enter eternal life with only one

hand or one foot than to be thrown into eternal fire with both of your hands and feet. Verse 9. And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It's better to enter eternal life with only one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell. Verse 10, beware that you don't look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly father. Verse 12, parable of the lost sheep. If a man

has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won't he leave the 99 others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? Verse 13. And if he finds it, I tell you the Truth, he will rejoice over it more than over the 99 that didn't wander away. Verse 14. In the same way, it is not my heavenly father's will that even one of these little ones should perish, correcting another believer. Verse 15, if another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense.

If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. Verse 16. But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. Verse 17. If the person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. Then if he or she won't accept the church's decision, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector. Verse 18. I tell you the truth, whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever

you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven. Verse 19, I also tell you this, if two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my father in heaven will do it for you. Verse 20, for where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them. Verse 21, parable of the unforgiving debtor. Then Peter came to him and asked,"Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me?" "Seven times?" Verse 22. "No, not seven times," Jesus replied. "But 70 * 7." Verse 23. Therefore, the kingdom of heaven can

be compared to a king who decided to bring his accounts up to date with servants who had borrowed money from him. Verse 24. In the process, one of his debtors was brought in who owed him millions of dollars. Verse 25. He couldn't pay, so his master ordered that he be sold along with his wife, his children, and everything he owned to pay the debt. Verse 26. But the man fell down before his master and begged him, "Please be patient with me, and I will pay it all." Verse 27. Then his master was filled with pity

for him and he released him and forgave his debt. Verse 28. But when the man left the king, he went to a fellow servant who owed him a few thousand. He grabbed him by the throat and demanded instant payment. Verse 29. His fellow servant fell down before him and begged for a little more time. Be patient with me and I will pay it, he pleaded. Verse 30. But his creditor wouldn't wait. He had the man arrested and put in Prison until the debt could be paid in full. Verse 31. When some of the other servants

saw this, they were very upset. They went to the king and told him everything that had happened. Verse 32. Then the king called in the man he had forgiven and said, "You evil servant, I forgave you that tremendous debt because you pleaded with me." Verse 33. Shouldn't you have mercy on your fellow servant just as I had mercy on you? Verse 34. Then the angry king sent the man to prison to be tortured until he had paid his entire debt. Verse 35. That's what my heavenly father will do to you if you refuse to forgive

your brothers and sisters from your heart. Chapter 19 verse 1. Discussion about divorce and marriage. When Jesus had finished saying these things, he left Galilee and went down to the region of Judea, east of the Jordan River. Verse two, large crowds followed him there, and he healed their sick. Verse three, some Pharisees came and tried to trap him with this question. Should a man be allowed to divorce his wife for just any reason? Verse four, haven't you read the scriptures? Jesus replied, "They record that from the beginning God made Them male and female." Verse 5,

"And he said, this explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one." Verse 6, "Since they are no longer two, but one, let no one split apart what God has joined together." Verse 7, "Then why did Moses say in the law that a man could give his wife a written notice of divorce and send her away?" They asked. Verse 8, Jesus replied, "Moses permitted divorce only as a concession to your hard hearts, but it was not what God had originally intended." Verse 9,

"And I tell you this, whoever divorces his wife and marries someone else commits adultery unless its wife has been unfaithful." Verse 10, Jesus disciples then said to him, "If this is the case, it is better not to marry." Verse 11, not everyone can accept this statement. Jesus said, only those whom God helps. Verse 12, some are born as Unix. Some have been made Unix by others, and some choose not to marry for the sake of the kingdom of heaven at anyone accept this who can. Verse 13, Jesus blesses the children. One day, some parents brought

their children to Jesus so he could lay his hands on them and pray For them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him. Verse 14. But Jesus said, "Let the children come to me. Don't stop them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to those who are like these children." Verse 15. And he placed his hands on their heads and blessed them before he left. Verse 16, the rich man. Someone came to Jesus with this question. Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life? Verse 17, why ask me about what is good?

Jesus replied, there is only one who is good, but to answer your question, if you want to receive eternal life, keep the commandments. Verse 18, which ones? The man asked. And Jesus replied, you must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. Verse 19, "Honor your father and mother, love your neighbor as yourself." Verse 20, "I've obeyed all these commandments," the young man replied, "What else must I do?" Verse 21, Jesus told him, "If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the

money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven." Then come, follow me. Verse 22. But when the young man heard this, he went away sad, for he Had many possessions. Verse 23. Then Jesus said to his disciples, "I tell you the truth, it is very hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven." Verse 24, I'll say it again. It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God. Verse 25, the disciples were astounded. Then who in

the world can be saved? They asked. Verse 26. Jesus looked at them intently and said, "Humanly speaking, it is impossible, but with God, everything is possible." Verse 27. Then Peter said to him, "We've given up everything to follow you. What will we get?" Verse 28, Jesus replied, "I assure you that when the world is made new and the Son of Man sits upon his glorious throne, you who have been my followers will also sit on 12 thrones judging the 12 tribes of Israel." Verse 29. And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters

or father or mother or children or property for my sake will receive a 100 times as much in return and will inherit eternal life. Verse 30. But many who are the greatest now will be least important then. And those who seem least important now will be the greatest then. Chapter 20 verse 1. Parable of the vineyard workers. For the kingdom of heaven is like the landowner who went out early one morning to hire workers for his vineyard. Verse two, he agreed to pay the normal daily wage and sent them out to work. Verse three, at

9:00 in the morning, he was passing through the marketplace and saw some people standing around doing nothing. Verse four, so he hired them, telling them he would pay them whatever was right at the end of the day. Verse 5, so they went to work in the vineyard at noon and again at 3:00, he did the same thing. Verse 6. At 5:00 that afternoon, he was in town again and saw some more people standing around. He asked them, "Why haven't you been working today?" Verse 7. They replied, "Because no one hired us." The landowner told them,

"Then go out and join the others in my vineyard." Verse 8, "That evening he told the foreman to call the workers in and pay them, beginning with the last workers first." Thus nine, when those hired at 5:00 were paid, each received a full day's wage. Verse 10, when those hired first came to get their pay, they assumed they would receive more, But they too were paid a day's wage. Verses 11, when they received their pay, they protested to the owner. Verse 12, Those people worked only 1 hour, and yet you've paid them just as much

as you paid us who worked all day in the scorching heat. Verse 13, he answered one of them, "Friend, I haven't been unfair. Didn't you agree to work all day for the usual wage?" Verse 14, "Take your money and go. I wanted to pay this last worker the same as you." Verse 15, "Is it against the law for me to do what I want with my money? Should you be jealous because I am kind to others?" and verse 16. So those who are last now will be first then and those who are first will be

last. Verse 17, Jesus again predicts his death. As Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the 12 disciples aside privately and told them what was going to happen to him. Verse 18, listen. He said, "We're going up to Jerusalem where the Son of Man will be betrayed to the leading priests and the teachers of religious law. They will sentence him to die." Verse 19, "Then they will hand him over to the Romans to be mocked, flogged with a whip, and crucified. On the third day, he will be raised From the dead." Verse 20, Jesus

teaches about serving others. Then the mother of James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus with her sons. She knelt respectfully to ask a favor. Verse 21. What is your request? He asked. She replied, "In your kingdom, please let my two sons sit in places of honor next to you, one on your right and the other on your left." Verse 22. But Jesus answered by saying to them, "You don't know what you are asking. Are you able to drink from the bitter cup of suffering I am about to drink? Oh yes, they replied.

We are able. Verse 23. Jesus told them, "You will indeed drink from my bitter cup, but I have no right to say who will sit on my right or my left. My father has prepared those places for the ones he has chosen." Verse 24. When the 10 other disciples heard what James and John had asked, they were indignant. Verse 25. But Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers in this world lorded over their people and officials flaunt their authority over those under them." Verse 26. But among you it will be different.

Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant. Verse 27. And whoever wants To be first among you must become your slave. 28 for even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many. Verse 29 Jesus heals two blind men. As Jesus and the disciples left the town of Jericho, a large crowd followed behind. Verse 30, two blind men were sitting beside the road. When they heard that Jesus was coming that way, they began shouting, "Lord, son of David,

have mercy on us." Verse 31. Be quiet. The crowd yelled at them, but they only shouted louder, "Lord, son of David, have mercy on us." Verse 32, When Jesus heard them, he stopped and called, "What do you want me to do for you?" Verse 33, "Lord," they said, "we want to see." Verse 34, Jesus felt sorry for them and touched their eyes. Instantly they could see. Then they followed him. Chapter 21 verse 1. Jesus's triumphant entry. As Jesus and the disciples approached Jerusalem, they came to the town of Bethage on the Mount of Olives. Jesus

sent two of them on ahead. Verse two, go into the village over there. He said, "As soon as you enter it, you will see a donkey tied there with its colt beside it. Untie them and bring them to me." Verse Three. If anyone asks what you are doing, just say the Lord needs them and he will immediately let you take them. Verse four, this took place to fulfill the prophecy that said, verse 5, tell the people of Jerusalem, "Look, your king is coming to you. He is humble, riding on a donkey, riding on a donkekeyy's

colt." Verse 6, the two disciples did as Jesus commanded. Verse 7, they brought the donkey and the colt to him and threw their garments over the colt, and he sat on it. Verse 8, most of the crowd spread their garments on the road ahead of him, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Verse 9, Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting, "Praise God for the son of David. Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord. Praise God

in highest heaven. Verse 10. The entire city of Jerusalem was in an uproar as he entered. Who is this? They asked. Verse 11. And the crowds replied, it's Jesus the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee. Verse 12. Jesus clears the temple. Jesus entered the temple and began to drive out all the people buying and selling animals for sacrifice. He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves. Verse 13, he said to them, "The scriptures declare, "My temple will be called a house of prayer, but you have turned it into

a den of thieves." Verse 14, the blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he healed them. Verse 15. The leading priests and the teachers of religious law saw these wonderful miracles and heard even the children in the temple shouting, "Praise God for the son of David." But the leaders were indignant. Verse 16. They asked Jesus, "Do you hear what these children are saying?" "Yes," Jesus replied, "Haven't you ever read the scriptures? For they say, you have taught children and infants to give you praise." Verse 17. Then he returned to Bethany where

he stayed overnight. Verse 18, Jesus curses the fig tree. In the morning, as Jesus was returning to Jerusalem, he was hungry. Verse 19, and he noticed a fig tree beside the road. He went over to see if there were any figs, but there were only leaves. Then he said to it, "May you never bear fruit again." And immediately the fig tree withered up. Verse 20. The disciples Were amazed when they saw this and asked, "How did the fig tree wither so quickly?" Verse 21. Then Jesus told them, "I tell you the truth. If you have

faith and don't doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, may you be lifted up and thrown into the sea, and it will happen." Verse 22, you can pray for anything and if you have faith, you will receive it. Verse 23, the authority of Jesus challenged. When Jesus returned to the temple and began teaching, the leading priests and elders came up to him. They demanded, "By what authority are you doing all these things? Who gave you the right?" Verse 24, I'll tell you by what authority I

do these things if you answer one question. Jesus replied. Verse 25. Did John's authority to baptize come from heaven or was it merely human? They talked it over among themselves. If we say it was from heaven, he will ask us why we didn't believe John. Verse 26. But if we say it was merely human, we'll be mobbed because the people believe John was a prophet. Verse 27. So they finally replied, "We don't know." And Jesus responded, "Then I won't tell you by what authority I do these things." Verses 28, parable of the two sons, but

what do you think about this? A man with two sons told the older boy, "Son, go out and work in the vineyard today." Verse 29. The son answered, "No, I won't go." But later he changed his mind and went anyway. Verse 30. Then the father told the other son, "You go." and he said, "Yes, sir, I will." But he didn't go. Verse 31, "Which of the two obeyed his father?" They replied, "The first." Then Jesus explained his meaning. I tell you the truth, corrupt tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the kingdom of God before

you do. Verse 32. For John the Baptist came and showed you the right way to live, but you didn't believe him while tax collectors and prostitutes did. And even when you saw this happening, you refuse to believe him and repent of your sins. Verse 33, parable of the evil farmers. Now listen to another story. A certain landowner planted a vineyard, built a wall around it, dug a pit for pressing out the grape juice, and built a lookout tower. Then he leased the vineyard to tenant farmers and moved to another country. Verse 34. At the time

of The grape harvest, he sent his servants to collect his share of the crop. Verse 35. But the farmers grabbed his servants, beat one, killed one, and stoned another. Verse 36. So the landowner sent a larger group of his servants to collect for him. But the results were the same. Verse 37. Finally, the owner sent his son, thinking, "Surely they will respect my son." Verse 38. But when the tenant farmers saw his son coming, they said to one another, "Here comes the heir to this estate. Come on, let's kill him and get the estate for

ourselves." Verse 39. So they grabbed him, dragged him out of the vineyard, and murdered him. Verse 40. When the owner of the vineyard returns, Jesus asked, "What do you think he will do to those farmers?" Verse 41, the religious leaders replied, "He will put the wicked men to a horrible death and lease the vineyard to others who will give him his share of the crop after each harvest." Verse 42. Then Jesus asked them, "Didn't you ever read this in the scriptures? The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone. This is the Lord's

doing, and it is wonderful to see. Verse 43, I tell you, the kingdom of God will Be taken away from you and given to a nation that will produce the proper fruit. Verse 44, anyone who stumbles over that stone will be broken to pieces, and it will crush anyone it falls on. Verse 45. When the leading priests and Pharisees heard this parable, they realized he was telling the story against them. They were the wicked farmers. Verse 46. They wanted to arrest him, but they were afraid of the crowds who considered Jesus to be a prophet.

Chapter 22:1 parable of the great feast. Jesus also told them other parables. he said. Verse two, the kingdom of heaven can be illustrated by the story of a king who prepared a great wedding feast for his son. Verse three, when the banquet was ready, he sent his servants to notify those who were invited. But they all refused to come. Verse four, so he sent other servants to tell them, "The feast has been prepared. The bulls and fattened cattle have been killed, and everything is ready. Come to the banquet." Verse 5. But the guests he had

invited ignored them and went their own way. One to his farm, another to his business. Verse 6, others seized his messengers and insulted them and killed Them. Verse 7, the king was furious and he sent out his army to destroy the murderers and burn their town. Verse 8, and he said to his servants, "The wedding feast is ready, and the guests I invited aren't worthy of the honor." Verse 9. Now go out to the street corners and invite everyone you see. Verse 10. So the servants brought in everyone they could find, good and bad alike.

And the banquet hall was filled with guests. Verse 11. But when the king came in to meet the guests, he noticed a man who wasn't wearing the proper clothes for a wedding. Verse 12. Friend, he asked, how is it that you are here without wedding clothes? But the man had no reply. Verse 13. Then the king said to his aids, "Bind his hands and feet and throw him into the outer darkness where there will be weeping and nashing of teeth." Verse 14, for many are called, but few are chosen. Verse 15, taxes for Caesar. Then

the Pharisees met together to plot how to trap Jesus into saying something for which he could be arrested. Verse 16. They sent some of their disciples along with the supporters of Herod to meet with him. Teacher, they said, we know how honest you are. You teach The way of God truthfully. You are impartial and don't play favorites. Verse 17. Now tell us what you think about this. Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Verse 18. But Jesus knew their evil motives. You hypocrites, he said, why are you trying to trap me? Verse

19. Here, show me the coin used for the tax. When they handed him a Roman coin, verse 20, he asked, whose picture and title are stamped on it? Verse 21, Caesars's, they replied. Well then, he said, give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God. Verse 22, his reply amazed them, and they went away. Verse 23. Discussion about resurrection. That same day, Jesus was approached by some Sadducees, religious leaders who say there is no resurrection from the dead. They posed this question. 24 Teacher Moses said, "If a man dies

without children, his brother should marry the widow and have a child who will carry on the brother's name." Verse 25. Well, suppose there were seven brothers. The oldest one married and then died without children. So his brother married the widow. Verse 26. But the second brother also died and the third brother Married her. This continued with all seven of them. Verse 27. Last of all the woman also died. Verse 28. So tell us whose wife will she be in the resurrection. For all seven were married to her. Verse 29. Jesus replied, "Your mistake is that

you don't know the scriptures and you don't know the power of God." Verse 30, "For when the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage. In this respect, they will be like the angels in heaven." Verse 31. But now, as to whether there will be a resurrection of the dead, haven't you ever read about this in the scriptures? Long after Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had died, God said, verse 32, "I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." Do so he is the God of the living,

not the dead. Verse 33, When the crowds heard him, they were astounded at his teaching. Verse 34, the most important commandment. But when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees with his reply, they met together to question him again. Verse 36, teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses. Verse 37, Jesus replied, "You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, All your soul, and all your mind." Verse 38, this is the first and greatest commandment. Verse 39, a second is equally important. Love your neighbor as yourself.

Verse 40, the entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments. Whose son is the Messiah? 41 Then surrounded by the Pharisees, Jesus asked them a question. Verse 42, what do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is he? They replied, "He is the son of David?" Verse 43, Jesus responded, "Then why does David, speaking under the inspiration of the Spirit, call the Messiah my Lord? For David said, "The Lord said to my Lord, sit in the place of honor at my right hand until I humble your enemies beneath

your feet." Verse 45, "Since David called the Messiah my Lord, how can the Messiah be his son?" Verse 46, no one could answer him. And after that, no one dared to ask him any more questions. Chapter 23, Jesus criticizes the religious leaders. Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, verse two, the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees are the official interpreters of the law of Moses. Verse three, so practice and obey whatever they Tell you, but don't follow their example, for they don't practice what they teach. Verse four, they crush people

with unbearable religious demands and never lift a finger to ease the burden. Verse 5, everything they do is for show. On their arms, they wear extra wide prayer boxes with scripture verses inside, and they wear robes with extra-l long tassels. Verse six, and they love to sit at the head table at banquetss and in the seats of honor in the synagogues. Verse 7, they love to receive respectful greetings as they walk in the marketplaces and to be called rabbi. Verse 8, don't let anyone call you rabbi, for you have only one teacher, and all of

you are equal as brothers and sisters. Verse 9, and don't address anyone here on earth as father, for only God in heaven is your father. Verse 10, and don't let anyone call you teacher, for you have only one teacher, the Messiah. Verse 11, the greatest among you must be a servant. Verse 12, but those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. Verse 13, what sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law, and you Pharisees, hypocrites, for you shut the Door of the kingdom of heaven in people's faces. You won't

go in yourselves, and you don't let others enter either. Verse 15. What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees, hypocrites, for you cross land and sea to make one convert, and then you turn that person into twice the child of hell you yourselves are. Verse 16. Blind guides, what sorrow awaits you, for you say that it means nothing to swear by God's temple, but that it is binding to swear by the gold in the temple. Verses 17. Blind fools, which is more important, the gold or the temple that makes the gold sacred?

Verses 18. And you say that to swear by the altar is not binding, but to swear by the gifts on the altar is binding. Verses 19. How blind. For which is more important, the gift on the altar or the altar that makes the gift sacred? Verses 20. When you swear by the altar, you are swearing by it and by everything on it. Verses 21. And when you swear by the temple, you are swearing by it, and by God who lives in it. Verses 22. And when you swear by heaven, you are swearing by the throne

of God, and by God who sits on the throne. Verses 23. What sorrow awaits you teachers of Religious law and you Pharisees, hypocrites, for you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law, justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things. Verse 24, blind guides, you strain your waters so you won't accidentally swallow a gnat, but you swallow a camel. Verse 25. What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees, hypocrites, for you

are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filthy, full of greed and self-indulgence. Verse 26, you blind Pharisee, first wash the inside of the cup and the dish, and then the outside will become clean, too. Verse 27. What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees, hypocrites, for you are like whitewashed tombs, beautiful on the outside, but filled on the inside with dead people's bones and all sorts of impurity. Visers 28 Outwardly you look like righteous people, but inwardly your hearts are filled with hypocrisy

and lawlessness. 29 What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law, and you Pharisees, hypocrites! For you build Tombs for the prophets your ancestors killed, and you decorate the monuments of the godly people your ancestors destroyed. Verse 30, then you say, "If we had lived in the days of our ancestors, we would never have joined them in killing the prophets." Verses 31. But in saying that, you testify against yourselves that you are indeed the descendants of those who murdered the prophets. Verse 32, Go ahead and finish what your ancestors started. V33, Snakes, sons of vipers, how

will you escape the judgment of hell? VS34 Therefore, I am sending you prophets and wise men and teachers of religious law, but you will kill some by crucifixion, and you will fogg others with whips in your synagogues, chasing them from city to city. Verse 35. As a result, you will be held responsible for the murder of all godly people of all time. from the murder of righteous Abel to the murder of Zechariah son of Barakiah whom you killed in the temple between the sanctuary and the altar. Verse 36, I tell you the truth, this judgment

will fall on this very generation. Verse 37, Jesus grieavves over Jerusalem. Oh Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and Stones God's messengers. How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn't let me. Verse 38. And now look, your house is abandoned and desolate. Verse 39. For I tell you this, you will never see me again until you say, "Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord." Chapter 24:1. Jesus speaks about the future. As Jesus was leaving the

temple grounds, his disciples pointed out to him the various temple buildings. Verse two, but he responded, "Do you see all these buildings? I tell you the truth, they will be completely demolished. Not one stone will be left on top of another." Verse three. Later, Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives. His disciples came to him privately and said, "Tell us when will all this happen? What sign will signal your return and the end of the world? Verse four, Jesus told them. Don't let anyone mislead you. Verse 5, for many will come in my name, claiming,

I am the Messiah. They will deceive many. Verse 6, and you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don't panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won't follow immediately. Verse 7, nation will go to war against nation and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. Verse 8, but all this is only the first of the birth pains with more to come. Verse 9, then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers.

Verse 10. and many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other. Verse 11, and many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people. Verse 12, sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. Verse 13, but the one who endures to the end will be saved. Verses 14, and the good news about the kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it, and then the end will come. Verse 15. The day is coming when you will see what Daniel the prophet spoke

about. The sacrilegious object that causes desecration standing in the holy place. Reader, pay attention. Verses 16. Then those in Judea must flee to the hills. Verses 17. A person out on the deck of a roof must not go down into the house to pack. Verses 18. A person out in the Field must not return, even to get a coat. 19. How terrible it will be for pregnant women and for nursing mothers in those days. Verses 20. And pray that your flight will not be in winter or on the Sabbath. Verses 21. For there will be

greater anguish than at any time since the world began, and it will never be so great again. Verses 22. In fact, unless that time of calamity is shortened, not a single person will survive. But it will be shortened for the sake of God's chosen ones. Verse 23. Then if anyone tells you, look, here is the Messiah or there he is, don't believe it. Verse 24, for false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform great signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God's chosen ones. Verse 25. See, I have warned you

about this ahead of time. Verse 26. So if someone tells you, look, the Messiah is out in the desert, don't bother to go and look. Or, look, he is hiding here, don't believe it. Verse 27. For as the lightning flashes in the east and shines to the west, so it will be when the Son of Man comes. Verse 28, just as the gathering of vultures shows there is a carcass nearby, so these signs indicate that The end is near. Verse 29, immediately after the anguish of those days, the sun will be darkened, the moon will

give no light, the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Verse 30. And then at last the sign that the Son of Man is coming will appear in the heavens, and there will be deep mourning among all the peoples of the earth. And they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. Verse 31. And he will send out his angels with the mighty blast of a trumpet, and they will gather his chosen ones from all over the world, from

the farthest ends of the earth and heaven. Verse 32. Now learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branches bud and its leaves begin to sprout, you know that summer is near. Verse 33. In the same way, when you see all these things, you can know his return is very near, right at the door. Verse 34, I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene until all these things take place. Verse 35, heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear. Verse 36. However, no one knows the day

or hour when these things will happen, Not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. Verse 37. When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah's day. Verse 38. In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquetss and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. Verse 39. People didn't realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes. Verse 40, two men

will be working together in the field. One will be taken, the other left. Verse 41, two women will be grinding flour at the mill. One will be taken, the other left. Verse 42. So you too must keep watch, for you don't know what day your Lord is coming. Verse 43. Understand this. If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. Verse 44. You also must be ready all the time. The son of man will come when least expected. Verse 45. A faithful,

sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them. Verse 46, if the master returns and Finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward. Verse 47, I tell you the truth, the master will put that servant in charge of all he owns. Verse 48, but what if the servant is evil and thinks, "My master won't be back for a while." Verse 49. And he begins beating the other servants, partying and getting drunk. Verse 50. The master will return unannounced

and unexpected. Verse 51. And he will cut the servant to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and nashing of teeth. Chapter 25:1. Parable of the 10 bridesmaids. Then the kingdom of heaven will be like 10 bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Verse two, five of them were foolish and five were wise. Verse three, the five who were foolish didn't take enough olive oil for their lamps. Verse four, but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil. Verse 5,

when the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. Verse 6. At midnight they were roused by the shout, "Look, the bridegroom is coming. Come out and meet him." Verse 7, all the bridesmaids got up and prepared Their lamps. Verse 8, then the five foolish ones asked the others, "Please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out." Verse 9, but the others replied, "We don't have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves." Verse 10. But while they were gone to buy oil, the

bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked. Verse 11. Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, Lord, Lord, open the door for us. Verse 12, but he called back, "Believe me, I don't know you." Verse 13. So you too must keep watch for you do not know the day or hour of my return. Verse 14. Parable of the three servants. Again, the kingdom of heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called

together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone. Verse 15. He gave five bags of silver to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last, dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip. Verse 16, the servant who received the five bags of silver began to invest The money and earned five more. Verse 17, the servant with two bags of silver also went to work and earned two more. Verse 18, but the servant who received the one bag of silver dug

a hole in the ground and hid the master's money. Verse 19, After a long time, their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money. Verse 20, the servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, "Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest and I have earned five more." Verse 21. The master was full of praise. Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount. So now I

will give you many more responsibilities. Let's celebrate together. Verse 22. The servant who had received the two bags of silver came forward and said, "Master, you gave me two bags of silver to invest and I have earned two more." Verse 23. The master said, "Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount. So now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let's celebrate together." Verse 24. Then the servant with the One bag of silver came and said, "Master, I knew you were a harsh man, harvesting crops you didn't

plant and gathering crops you didn't cultivate." Verse 25. I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth. Look, here is your money back. Verse 26. But the master replied, "You wicked and lazy servant. If you knew I harvested crops I didn't plant and gathered crops I didn't cultivate." Verse 27, "Why didn't you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it." Verse 28, then he ordered, "Take the money from this servant and give it to the one with the 10 bags of silver."

Verse 29. To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away. Verse 30. Now throw this useless servant into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and nashing of teeth. Verse 31, the final judgment. But when the Son of Man comes in his glory and all the angels with him, and he will sit upon his glorious throne. Verse 32, all the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate

the people as a Shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. Verse 33, he will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left. Verse 34, then the king will say to those on his right, "Come, you who are blessed by my father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world." Verse 35, "For I was hungry and you fed me. I was thirsty and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger and you invited me into your home. Verse 36, I was naked and you gave me clothing.

I was sick and you cared for me. I was in prison and you visited me. Verse 37. Then these righteous ones will reply, Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Verse 38. or a stranger and show you hospitality or naked and give you clothing. Verse 39, when did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you? Verse 40, and the king will say, I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these, my brothers and sisters,

you were doing it to me. Verse 41, then the king will turn to those on the left and say, "Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons." Verse 42, for I was hungry and you Didn't feed me. I was thirsty and you didn't give me a drink. Verse 43, I was a stranger and you didn't invite me into your home. I was naked and you didn't give me clothing. I was sick and in prison and you didn't visit me. Verse 44. Then they will reply, Lord, when

did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison and not help you? Verse 45. And he will answer, "I tell you the truth, when you refuse to help the least of these, my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me." Verse 46, "And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life." Chapter 26:1, the plot to kill Jesus. When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples. Verse two, as you know, Passover begins in 2 days,

and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified. Verse three, at that same time, the leading priests and elders were meeting at the residence of Caiaphas, the high priest. Verse four, plotting how to capture Jesus secretly and kill him. Verse 5, but not during the Passover celebration they agreed, or the people may riot. Verse 6, Jesus anointed at Bethany. Meanwhile, Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon, a man who had previously had leprosy. Verse 7, while he was eating, a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume,

and poured it over his head. Verse 8, the disciples were indignant when they saw this. "What a waste," they said. Verse 9, it could have been sold for a high price and the money given to the poor. Verses 10, but Jesus aware of this replied, "Why criticize this woman for doing such a good thing to me?" Verse 11, "You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me." Verse 12, "She has poured this perfume on me to prepare my body for burial." Verse 13, I tell you the truth, wherever the

good news is preached throughout the world, this woman's deed will be remembered and discussed. Verse 14, Judas agrees to betray Jesus. Then Judas's Scariot, one of the 12 disciples, went to the leading priests, verse 15, and asked, "How much will you pay me to betray Jesus to you?" And they gave him 30 pieces of silver. Verse 16. From that time on, Judas began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus. Verse 17, the last supper. On the first day Of the festival of unleavened bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Where do you want us

to prepare the Passover meal for you?" Verse 18. As you go into the city, he told them, "You will see a certain man. Tell him." The teacher says, "My time has come and I will eat the Passover meal with my disciples at your house." Verse 19. So the disciples did as Jesus told them and prepared the Passover meal there. Verses 20. When it was evening, Jesus sat down at the table with the twel. Verse 21. While they were eating, he said, "I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me." Verses 22. Greatly distressed,

each one asked in turn, "Am I the one, Lord?" Verse 23. He replied, "One of you who has just eaten from this bowl with me will betray me." Verse 24, "For the Son of Man must die, as the scriptures declared long ago. But how terrible it will be for the one who betrays him. It would be far better for that man if he had never been born." Verses 25. Judas, the one who would betray him, also asked, "Rabbi, am I the one?" And Jesus told him, "You have said it." Verses 26. As they were eating,

Jesus took some bread and blessed it. Then he broke it in Pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, "Take this and eat it, for this is my body." Verse 27. And he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them and said, "Each of you drink from it." Verses 28. For this is my blood which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many. Verses 29. Mark my words. I will not drink wine again until

the day I drink it new with you in my father's kingdom. Verses 30. Then they sang a hymn and went out to the Mount of Olives. Verses 31. Jesus predicts Peter's denial. On the way, Jesus told them, "Tonight all of you will desert me. For the scriptures say, God will strike the shepherd and the sheep of the flock will be scattered." Verses 32, "But after I have been raised from the dead, I will go ahead of you to Galilee and meet you there." Vas 33, Peter declared, "Even if everyone else deserts you, I will never

desert you." Verse 34. Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, Peter. This very night before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me." 35. No, Peter insisted, "Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you." And all the other disciples vowed the same. Verse 36, Jesus prays in Gethsemane. Then Jesus went with them to the olive grove called Gethsemane and he said, "Sit here while I go over there to pray." Verse 37, he took Peter and Zebed's two sons, James and John, and he became anguished and

distressed. Verses 38, he told them, "My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me." Verses 39. He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, "My father, if it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine." Verses 40. Then he returned to the disciples and found them asleep. He said to Peter, "Couldn't you watch with me even 1 hour?" Verses 41. Keep watch and pray so that you

will not give into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak. BS42. Then Jesus left them a second time and prayed. My father, if this cup cannot be taken away unless I drink it, or will be done. Verse 43. When he returned to them again, he found them sleeping for they couldn't keep their eyes open. Verse 44. So he Went to pray a third time saying the same things again. Verse 45. Then he came to the disciples and said, "Go ahead and sleep. Have your rest. But look, the time has come. The

son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners." Verse 46. Up. Let's be going. Look, my betrayer is here. Verse 47, Jesus is betrayed and arrested. And even as Jesus said this, Judas, one of the 12 disciples, arrived with a crowd of men armed with swords and clubs. They had been sent by the leading priests and elders of the people. Verses 48. The traitor Judas had given them a pre-arranged signal. You will know which one to arrest when I greet him with a kiss. Verse 49. So Judas came straight to Jesus. Greetings, Rabbi," he

exclaimed and gave him the kiss. There's 50. Jesus said, "My friend, go ahead and do what you have come for." Then the others grabbed Jesus and arrested him. Verse 58. Meanwhile, Peter followed him at a distance and came to the high priest's courtyard. He went in and sat with the guards and waited to see how it would all end. Verse 59. Inside the leading priests and the entire high council were trying to find witnesses who would lie about Jesus so they Could put him to death. Verse 60. But even though they found many who agreed

to give false witness, they could not use anyone's testimony. Finally, two men came forward. Verse 61, who declared, "This man said, I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in 3 days." Verse 62. Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, "Well, aren't you going to answer these charges," "What do you have to say for yourself?" Verse 63. But Jesus remained silent. Then the high priest said to him, "I demand in the name of the living God. Tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God." Verse 64,

Jesus replied, "You have said it, and in the future you will see the Son of Man seated in the place of power at God's right hand and coming on the clouds of heaven." Verse 65. Then the high priest tore his clothing to show his horror and said, "Blasphemy. Why do we need other witnesses? You have all heard his blasphemy." Verse 66. What is your verdict? Guilty, they shouted. He deserves to die. 67 Then they began to spit in Jesus' face and beat him with their fists, and some slapped him. Verse 68, Jering, "Prophesy to us,

you Messiah, who hit you that time?" Verse 69, Peter denies Jesus. Meanwhile, Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. A servant girl came over and said to him, "You were one of those with Jesus the Galilean." Verse 70. But Peter denied it in front of everyone. "I don't know what you're talking about," he said. Verse 71. Later, out by the gate, another servant girl noticed him and said to those standing around, "This man was with Jesus of Nazareth." Verse 72. Again, Peter denied it, this time with an oath. "I don't even know the man," he

said. 73. A little later, some of the other bystanders came over to Peter and said, "You must be one of them. We can tell by your Galilean accent. Beerus 74. Peter swore a curse on me if I'm lying. I don't know the man. And immediately the rooster crowed. 75. Suddenly Jesus words flashed through Peter's mind. Before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me. And he went away weeping bitterly. Chapter 27:1. Judas hangs himself. Very early in the morning, the leading priests and the elders of the people met again to

lay plans for putting Jesus to death. Verse two, then they bound him, led him away, And took him to Pilate, the Roman governor. Verse three, when Judas, who had betrayed him, realized that Jesus had been condemned to die, he was filled with remorse. So he took the 30 pieces of silver back to the leading priests and the elders. Verse four, I have sinned, he declared, for I have betrayed an innocent man. What do we care? They retorted. That's your problem. Verse 5, then Judas threw the silver coins down in the temple and went out and

hanged himself. Verse 6, the leading priests picked up the coins. It wouldn't be right to put this money in the temple treasury, they said, since it was payment for murder. Verse 7. After some discussion, they finally decided to buy the potter's field and they made it into a cemetery for foreigners. Verse 8, that is why the field is still called the field of blood. Verse 9, this fulfilled the prophecy of Jeremiah that says they took the 30 pieces of silver, the price at which he was valued by the people of Israel. Verse 10, and purchased

the potter's field as the Lord directed. Verse 11, Jesus trial before Pilate. Now Jesus was standing before Pilate, the Roman governor. Are you the King of the Jews? The governor asked him. Jesus replied, "You have said it." Verse 12. But when the leading priests and the elders made their accusations against him, Jesus remained silent. Verse 13. Don't you hear all these charges they are bringing against you? Pilate demanded. 14. But Jesus made no response to any of the charges. much to the governor's surprise. Verse 15. Now, it was the governor's custom each year during the

Passover celebration to release one prisoner to the crowd, anyone they wanted. Verse 16. This year there was a notorious prisoner, a man named Barabus. Verse 17. As the crowds gathered before Pilate's house that morning, he asked them, "Which one do you want me to release to you, Barabus or Jesus, who is called the Messiah?" Verse 18, he knew very well that the religious leaders had arrested Jesus out of envy. Verse 19, Just then, as Pilate was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him this message. Leave that innocent man alone. Suffered through a terrible

nightmare about him last night. Verse 20. Meanwhile, the leading priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabus to be released and for Jesus To be put to death. Verse 21. So the governor asked again, "Which of these two do you want me to release to you?" The crowd shouted back, "Barabus." Verse 22. Pilate responded, "Then what should I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah?" They shouted back, "Crucify him." Verse 23. Why? Pilate demanded. What crime has he committed? But the mob roared even louder. Crucify him. Verse 24. Pilate saw that

he wasn't getting anywhere and that a riot was developing. So he sent for a bowl of water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, "I am innocent of this man's blood. The responsibility is yours." Verse 25. And all the people yelled back, "We will take responsibility for his death, we and our children." Verse 26. So Pilate released Barabus to them. He ordered Jesus fgged with a lead tipped whip and turned him over to the Roman soldiers to be crucified. Verse 27, the soldiers mocked Jesus. Some of the governor's soldiers took Jesus into their headquarters

and called out the entire regiment. Verse 28, they stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him. Verse 29, they wo thorn branches into a crown and put it on his head, and they placed a reed Stick in his right hand as a scepter. Then they knelt before him in mockery and taunted, "Hail, King of the Jews." Verse 30, "And they spit on him and grabbed the stick and struck him on the head with it." Verse 31. When they were finally tired of mocking him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on

him again. Then they led him away to be crucified. Verse 32, the crucifixion. Along the way, they came across a man named Simon who was from Sirene, and the soldiers forced him to carry Jesus cross. Verse 33. And they went out to a place called Golgatha, which means place of the skull. Verse 34. The soldiers gave Jesus wine mixed with bitter gall, but when he had tasted it, refused to drink it. Verse 35. After they had nailed him to the cross, the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice. Verse 36. Then they sat around

and kept guard as he hung there. Verse 37, a sign was fastened above Jesus' head announcing the charge against him. It read, "This is Jesus, the King of the Jews. Verse 38. Two revolutionaries were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. Verse 39. The people passing by shouted abuse, shaking their Heads in mockery. Verse 40. Look at you now, they yelled at him. You said you were going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in 3 days. Well then, if you are the son of God, save yourself and come down

from the cross. 41. The leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the elders also mocked Jesus. Verse 42, he saved others, they scoffed. But he can't save himself. So he is the king of Israel, is he? Let him come down from the cross right now, and we will believe in him. Verse 43, he trusted God. So let God rescue him now if he wants him. For he said, I am the son of God. Verse 44, even the revolutionaries who were crucified with him ridiculed him in the same way. Verse 45, the death of Jesus.

At noon, darkness fell across the whole land until 3:00. Verse 46. At about 3:00, Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Eli, Eli, Lima Sabakthani," which means, "My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?" Verse 47. Some of the bystanders misunderstood and thought he was calling for the prophet Elijah. Verse 48. One of them ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, holding it up to him on a reed stick so he could drink. Verse 49. But the rest said, "Wait, let's See whether Elijah comes to save him." Verse 50. Then Jesus shouted out

again, and he released his spirit. Verse 51. At that moment, the curtain in the sanctuary of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, rocks split apart. Verse 43, he trusted God. So let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, "I am the son of God." Verse 44, even the revolutionaries who were crucified with him ridiculed him in the same way. Verse 45, the death of Jesus. At noon, darkness fell across the whole land until 3:00. Verse 46. At about 3:00, Jesus called out with a loud

voice, "Eli, Eli, Lima Sabakthani," which means, "My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?" Verse 47. Some of the bystanders misunderstood and thought he was calling for the prophet Elijah. Verse 48, one of them ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, holding it up to him on a reed stick so he could drink. Verse 49. But the rest said, "Wait, let's see whether Elijah comes to save him." Verse 50. Then Jesus shouted out again, and he released his spirit. Verse 51. At that moment, the curtain in the sanctuary of the temple was torn

in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, Rocks split apart. Verse 52, and tombs opened. The bodies of many godly men and women who had died were raised from the dead. Verse 53. They left the cemetery after Jesus resurrection, went into the holy city of Jerusalem and appeared to many people. Verse 54, the Roman officer and the other soldiers at the crucifixion were terrified by the earthquake and all that had happened. They said, "This man truly was the son of God." Verse 55. And many women who had come from Galilee with Jesus to care

for him were watching from a distance. Verse 56. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of James and John, the sons of Zebedee. Verse 57, the burial of Jesus. As evening approached, Joseph, a rich man from Arythea, who had become a follower of Jesus, verse 58, went to Pilate and asked for Jesus' body. and Pilate issued an order to release it to him. Verse 59, Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a long sheet of clean linen cloth. Verse 60, he placed it in his own new

tomb which had been carved out of the rock. Then he rolled a great stone across the entrance and left. Verse 61, both Mary Magdalene and the other Mary Were sitting across from the tomb and watching. Verse 62, the guard at the tomb. The next day on the Sabbath, the leading priests and Pharisees went to see Pilate. Verse 63, they told him, "Sir, we remember what that deceiver once said while he was still alive. After 3 days, I will rise from the dead." Verse 64. So, we request that you seal the tomb until the third day.

This will prevent his disciples from coming and stealing his body and then telling everyone he was raised from the dead. If that happens, we'll be worse off than we were at first. Verse 65. Pilate replied, "Take guards and secure it the best you can." Verse 66. So they sealed the tomb and posted guards to protect it. Chapter 28. The last chapter of the Gospel Book of Matthew. Verse 1, the resurrection. Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb. Verse two, suddenly there

was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. Verse three, his face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. Verse four, the guards shook With fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint. Verse 5, then the angel spoke to the women. Don't be afraid, he said. I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. Verse 3 6. He isn't here. He has risen from the dead just as he said would happen. Come see where

his body was lying. Verse 7. And now go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you. Verse 8. The women ran quickly from the tomb. They were very frightened but also filled with great joy. And they rushed to give the disciples the angel's message. Verse 9. And as they went, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they ran to him, grasped his feet, and worshiped him. Verse 10. Then Jesus said to them,

"Don't be afraid." "Go tell my brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see me there." Verse 11, the report of the guard. As the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and told the leading priests what had happened. Verse 12, a meeting with the elders was called and they decided to give the soldiers a large bribe. Verse 13, they told the soldiers, "You must say, Jesus disciples came during the night while we were sleeping and they stole his body." Verse 14, if the governor hears about it, he'll stand

up for you. so you won't get in trouble. Verse 15. So the guards accepted the bribe and said what they were told to say. Their story spread widely among the Jews and they still tell it today. Verse 16. The great commission. Then the 11 disciples left for Galilee going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. Verse 17. When they saw him, they worshiped him, but some of them doubted. Verse 18. Jesus came and told his disciples, "I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth." Verse 19, "Therefore, go and make

disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit." Verse 20, the last verse. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this. I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Here come the end of the reading. If you watch and listen to this very end, we love and appreciate you for listening to the word of God. Tell us the next Bible chapter You would love us to cover. Stay tuned for our next

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