The Birth of Jesus the Messiah

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.

But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus.

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.

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 the coming wrath?

“I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

He is ready to separate the chaff from the wheat with his winnowing fork. Then he will clean up the threshing area, gathering the wheat into his barn but burning the chaff with never-ending fire.”

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?”

But Jesus said, “It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.” So John agreed to baptize him.

But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

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.

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 laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.

“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!

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.

But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

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.

But I say, do not make any vows! Do not say, ‘By heaven!’ because heaven is God’s throne.

But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also.

But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!

But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.

But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.

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.

And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.

But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.

But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face.

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!

These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.

But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.

The Tree and Its Fruit

“Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves.

But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’

But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand.

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.

But many Israelites—those for whom the Kingdom was prepared—will be thrown into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

But when Jesus touched her hand, the fever left her. Then she got up and prepared a meal for him.

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.”

But Jesus told him, “Follow me now. Let the spiritually dead bury their own dead.”

Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping.

Then the entire town came out to meet Jesus, but they begged him to go away and leave them alone.

But some of the teachers of religious law said to themselves, “That’s blasphemy! Does he think he’s God?”

But when the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with such scum?”

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.”

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.

Jesus Heals in Response to Faith

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.”

“Get out!” he told them. “The girl isn’t dead; she’s only asleep.” But the crowd laughed at him.

But instead, they went out and spread his fame all over the region.

But the Pharisees said, “He can cast out demons because he is empowered by the prince of demons.”

He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few.

but only to the people of Israel—God’s lost sheep.

But beware! For you will be handed over to the courts and will be flogged with whips in the synagogues.

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.

And all nations will hate you because you are my followers. But everyone who endures to the end will be saved.

“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.

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.

But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven.

“Don’t imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth! I came not to bring peace, but a sword.

If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it.

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.”

But some Pharisees saw them do it and protested, “Look, your disciples are breaking the law by harvesting grain on the Sabbath.”

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.’

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,

but he warned them not to reveal who he was.

But when the Pharisees heard about the miracle, they said, “No wonder he can cast out demons. He gets his power from Satan, the prince of demons.”

But if I am casting out demons by the Spirit of God, then the Kingdom of God has arrived among you.

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.

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.

“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.

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.

“When an evil spirit leaves a person, it goes into the desert, seeking rest but finding none.

But the plants soon wilted under the hot sun, and since they didn’t have deep roots, they died.

He replied, “You are permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, but others are not.

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.

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.

“But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear.

I tell you the truth, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, but they didn’t see it. And they longed to hear what you hear, but they didn’t hear it.

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.

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.

But that night as the workers slept, his enemy came and planted weeds among the wheat, then slipped away.

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.”

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.

Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of a riot, because all the people believed John was a prophet.

But at a birthday party for Herod, Herodias’s daughter performed a dance that greatly pleased him,

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.

Jesus Feeds Five Thousand

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.

But Jesus said, “That isn’t necessary—you feed them.”

“But we have only five loaves of bread and two fish!” they answered.

But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”

But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.

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.’

‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.

But the words you speak come from the heart—that’s what defiles you.

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.”

But she came and worshiped him, pleading again, “Lord, help me!”

She replied, “That’s true, Lord, but even dogs are allowed to eat the scraps that fall beneath their masters’ table.”

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!

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.

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.

Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?”

Jesus Predicts His Death

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.

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!”

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.

And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?

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.”

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.”

So I brought him to your disciples, but they couldn’t heal him.”

He will be killed, but on the third day he will be raised from the dead.” And the disciples were filled with grief.

“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?”

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.

“What sorrow awaits the world, because it tempts people to sin. Temptations are inevitable, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting.

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.

“No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!

“But the man fell down before his master and begged him, ‘Please, be patient with me, and I will pay it all.’

“But when the man left the king, he went to a fellow servant who owed him a few thousand dollars. He grabbed him by the throat and demanded instant payment.

But his creditor wouldn’t wait. He had the man arrested and put in prison until the debt could be paid in full.

Since they are no longer two but one, let no one split apart what God has joined together.”

Jesus replied, “Moses permitted divorce only as a concession to your hard hearts, but it was not what God had originally intended.

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.

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.”

“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.”

But when the young man heard this, he went away sad, for he had many possessions.

Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.”

But many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then.

When those hired first came to get their pay, they assumed they would receive more. But they, too, were paid a day’s wage.

Then they will hand him over to the Romans to be mocked, flogged with a whip, and crucified. But on the third day he will be raised from the dead.”

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!”

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.”

But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them.

But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant,

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.”

“Be quiet!” the crowd yelled at them. But they only shouted louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”

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!”

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.

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.

But if we say it was merely human, we’ll be mobbed because the people believe John was a prophet.”

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.’

The son answered, ‘No, I won’t go,’ but later he changed his mind and went anyway.

Then the father told the other son, ‘You go,’ and he said, ‘Yes, sir, I will.’ But he didn’t go.

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 refused to believe him and repent of your sins.

But the farmers grabbed his servants, beat one, killed one, and stoned another.

So the landowner sent a larger group of his servants to collect for him, but the results were the same.

“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!’

They wanted to arrest him, but they were afraid of the crowds, who considered Jesus to be a prophet.

When the banquet was ready, he sent his servants to notify those who were invited. But they all refused to come!

But the guests he had invited ignored them and went their own way, one to his farm, another to his business.

“But when the king came in to meet the guests, he noticed a man who wasn’t wearing the proper clothes for a wedding.

‘Friend,’ he asked, ‘how is it that you are here without wedding clothes?’ But the man had no reply.

“For many are called, but few are chosen.”

But Jesus knew their evil motives. “You hypocrites!” he said. “Why are you trying to trap me?

But the second brother also died, and the third brother married her. This continued with all seven of them.

“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,

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.

So practice and obey whatever they tell you, but don’t follow their example. For they don’t practice what they teach.

But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

“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.’

And you say that to swear ‘by the altar’ is not binding, but to swear ‘by the gifts on the altar’ is binding.

“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.

Blind guides! You strain your water so you won’t accidentally swallow a gnat, but you swallow a camel!

“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!

“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.

Outwardly you look like righteous people, but inwardly your hearts are filled with hypocrisy and lawlessness.

“But in saying that, you testify against yourselves that you are indeed the descendants of those who murdered the prophets.

“Therefore, I am sending you prophets and wise men and teachers of religious law. But you will kill some by crucifixion, and you will flog others with whips in your synagogues, chasing them from city to city.

Jesus Grieves over Jerusalem

“O 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.

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!”

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.

But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come.

But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

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.

Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.

But what if the servant is evil and thinks, ‘My master won’t be back for a while,’

but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil.

“But the others replied, ‘We don’t have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves.’

“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.

“But he called back, ‘Believe me, I don’t know you!’

But the servant who received the one bag of silver dug a hole in the ground and hid the master’s money.

“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,

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.

The Final Judgment

“But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne.

“And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.”

“But not during the Passover celebration,” they agreed, “or the people may riot.”

But Jesus, aware of this, replied, “Why criticize this woman for doing such a good thing to me?

You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.

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!”

But after I have been raised from the dead, I will go ahead of you to Galilee and meet you there.”

Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!”

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.

But one of the men with Jesus pulled out his sword and struck the high priest’s slave, slashing off his ear.

But if I did, how would the Scriptures be fulfilled that describe what must happen now?”

But this is all happening to fulfill the words of the prophets as recorded in the Scriptures.” At that point, all the disciples deserted him and fled.

But even though they found many who agreed to give false witness, they could not use anyone’s testimony. Finally, two men came forward

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.”

But Peter denied it in front of everyone. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said.

But when the leading priests and the elders made their accusations against him, Jesus remained silent.

But Jesus made no response to any of the charges, much to the governor’s surprise.

“Why?” Pilate demanded. “What crime has he committed?” But the mob roared even louder, “Crucify him!”

The soldiers gave Jesus wine mixed with bitter gall, but when he had tasted it, he refused to drink it.

“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!

But the rest said, “Wait! Let’s see whether Elijah comes to save him.”

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.

When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted!

I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit!”

But Jesus reprimanded him. “Be quiet! Come out of the man,” he ordered.

So Jesus healed many people who were sick with various diseases, and he cast out many demons. But because the demons knew who he was, he did not allow them to speak.

But Jesus replied, “We must go on to other towns as well, and I will preach to them, too. That is why I came.”

But the man went and spread the word, proclaiming to everyone what had happened. As a result, large crowds soon surrounded Jesus, and he couldn’t publicly enter a town anywhere. He had to stay out in the secluded places, but people from everywhere kept coming to him.

But some of the teachers of religious law who were sitting there thought to themselves,

But when the teachers of religious law who were Pharisees saw him eating with tax collectors and other sinners, they asked his disciples, “Why does he eat with such scum?”

When Jesus heard this, he told them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.”

But someday the groom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.

But the Pharisees said to Jesus, “Look, why are they breaking the law by harvesting grain on the Sabbath?”

Then he turned to his critics and asked, “Does the law permit good deeds on the Sabbath, or is it a day for doing evil? Is this a day to save life or to destroy it?” But they wouldn’t answer him.

But Jesus sternly commanded the spirits not to reveal who he was.

James and John (the sons of Zebedee, but Jesus nicknamed them “Sons of Thunder”),

But the teachers of religious law who had arrived from Jerusalem said, “He’s possessed by Satan, the prince of demons. That’s where he gets the power to cast out demons.”

but anyone who blasphemes the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven. This is a sin with eternal consequences.”

But the plant soon wilted under the hot sun, and since it didn’t have deep roots, it died.

He replied, “You are permitted to understand the secret of the Kingdom of God. But I use parables for everything I say to outsiders,

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.

but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things, so no fruit is produced.

To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.”

Night and day, while he’s asleep or awake, the seed sprouts and grows, but he does not understand how it happens.

but it becomes the largest of all garden plants; it grows long branches, and birds can make nests in its shade.”

In fact, in his public ministry he never taught without using parables; but afterward, when he was alone with his disciples, he explained everything to them.

But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water.

But Jesus said, “No, go home to your family, and tell them everything the Lord has done for you and how merciful he has been.”

She had suffered a great deal from many doctors, and over the years she had spent everything she had to pay them, but she had gotten no better. In fact, she had gotten worse.

But he kept on looking around to see who had done it.

But Jesus overheard them and said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid. Just have faith.”

The crowd laughed at him. But he made them all leave, and he took the girl’s father and mother and his three disciples into the room where the girl was lying.

He allowed them to wear sandals but not to take a change of clothes.

But if any place refuses to welcome you or listen to you, shake its dust from your feet as you leave to show that you have abandoned those people to their fate.”

For Herod had sent soldiers to arrest and imprison John as a favor to Herodias. She had been his brother Philip’s wife, but Herod had married her.

So Herodias bore a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But without Herod’s approval she was powerless,

for Herod respected John; and knowing that he was a good and holy man, he protected him. Herod was greatly disturbed whenever he talked with John, but even so, he liked to listen to him.

Then the king deeply regretted what he had said; but because of the vows he had made in front of his guests, he couldn’t refuse her.

But many people recognized them and saw them leaving, and people from many towns ran ahead along the shore and got there ahead of them.

But Jesus said, “You feed them.” “With what?” they asked. “We’d have to work for months to earn enough money to buy food for all these people!”

but when they saw him walking on the water, they cried out in terror, thinking he was a ghost.

They were all terrified when they saw him. But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage! I am here!”

Similarly, they don’t eat anything from the market until they immerse their hands in water. This is but one of many traditions they have clung to—such as their ceremonial washing of cups, pitchers, and kettles.)

Jesus replied, “You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you, for he wrote, ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.

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.’

Food doesn’t go into your heart, but only passes through the stomach and then goes into the sewer.” (By saying this, he declared that every kind of food is acceptable in God’s eyes.)

The Faith of a Gentile Woman

Then Jesus left Galilee and went north to the region of Tyre. He didn’t want anyone to know which house he was staying in, but he couldn’t keep it a secret.

She replied, “That’s true, Lord, but even the dogs under the table are allowed to eat the scraps from the children’s plates.”

Jesus told the crowd not to tell anyone, but the more he told them not to, the more they spread the news.

Yeast of the Pharisees and Herod

But the disciples had forgotten to bring any food. They had only one loaf of bread with them in the boat.

The man looked around. “Yes,” he said, “I see people, but I can’t see them very clearly. They look like trees walking around.”

Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” Peter replied, “You are the Messiah.”

But Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him.

Jesus Predicts His Death

Then Jesus began to tell them that the Son of Man must suffer many terrible things and be rejected by the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but three days later he would rise from the dead.

If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it.