But now, since you didn’t believe what I said, you will be silent and unable to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly be fulfilled at the proper time.”

For the word of God will never fail.”

Everyone spoke well of him and was amazed by the gracious words that came from his lips. “How can this be?” they asked. “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?”

Amazed, the people exclaimed, “What authority and power this man’s words possess! Even evil spirits obey him, and they flee at his command!”

The First Disciples

One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God.

I am not even worthy to come and meet you. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed.

“This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is God’s word.

And the seeds that fell on the good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest.

Jesus replied, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.”

But they didn’t understand any of this. The significance of his words was hidden from them, and they failed to grasp what he was talking about.

“‘You wicked servant!’ the king roared. ‘Your own words condemn you. If you knew that I’m a hard man who takes what isn’t mine and harvests crops I didn’t plant,

But they could think of nothing, because all the people hung on every word he said.

for I will give you the right words and such wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to reply or refute you!

For those will be days of God’s vengeance, and the prophetic words of the Scriptures will be fulfilled.

At that moment the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Suddenly, the Lord’s words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.”

A sign was fastened above him with these words: “This is the King of the Jews.”

Then Jesus shouted, “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!” And with those words he breathed his last.