¹⁹ “Follow me,” he told them, “and I will make you fish for^[a] people.”

Many Women Support Christ’s Work

8 Afterward he was traveling from one town and village to another,^(A) preaching and telling the good news of the kingdom of God.^(B) The Twelve were with him, ² and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and sicknesses:^(C) Mary, called Magdalene (seven demons had come out^(D) of her); ³ Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward; Susanna; and many others who were supporting them from their possessions.

Martha and Mary

³⁸ While they were traveling, he entered a village, and a woman named Martha^(A) welcomed him into her home.^{[a] 39} She had a sister named Mary, who also sat at the Lord’s^[b] feet^(B) and was listening to what he said.^{[c] 40} But Martha was distracted by her many tasks, and she came up and asked, “Lord, don’t you care^(C) that my sister has left me to serve alone? So tell her to give me a hand.”^[d](D)

⁴¹ The Lord^[e] answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things,^{(E) 42} but one thing is necessary.^[f](F) Mary has made the right choice,^[g] and it will not be taken away from her.”

Take Up Your Cross

³⁴ Calling the crowd along with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself,^(A) take up his cross,^(B) and follow me.^{(C) 35} For whoever wants to save^(D) his life will lose it,^(E) but whoever loses^(F) his life^(G) because of me^(H) and the gospel^(I) will save it.^{(J) 36} For what does it benefit^(K) someone to gain^(L) the whole world^(M) and yet lose^(N) his life?^{(O) 37} What can anyone give in exchange for his life?^{(P) 38} For whoever is ashamed^(Q) of me and my words^(R) in this adulterous and sinful^(S) generation,^(T) the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when he comes in the glory^(U) of his Father^(V) with the holy^(W) angels.”^(X)