Book of Common Prayer

²⁶ Also the Spirit helps us because we are weak. We do not know how we should talk to God. But the Spirit himself talks to God for us, while we cry and cannot say any words.

²⁷ God looks to see what is in people's hearts. And he knows what the Spirit is going to do. The Spirit talks to God for God's people. And he asks for them what God wants them to have.

²⁸ We know that God works out everything for the good of those who love him. They are the people who are part of his plan.

²⁹ He knew all along that he would choose them. He chose them to be made like his Son. Then his Son would be the first one of many brothers.

³⁰ He chose them and he also called them. He called them to himself as if they had never been bad people. He made them right with himself and he also made them great in heaven.

23 Then Jesus talked to the people and to his disciples.

² He said, `The scribes and Pharisees have taken Moses' place.

³ So obey and do everything they tell you to do. But do not do what they do. They say what should be done, but they do it not.

⁴ They make heavy loads and put them on people's backs. But they themselves will not put up even one finger to help carry the loads.

⁵ They do all their work to be seen by people. They wear bigger and bigger boxes with God's word in. And they make wider and wider borders on their gowns.

⁶ They want to sit in the best places at the feasts. They want to have the front seats in the meeting houses.

⁷ They want people to greet them in the market, and to call them "Teacher".

⁸ But people should not call you "Teacher". You have one Teacher. And you are all brothers.

⁹ `Do not call anyone on earth your "Father". You have one Father. He is in heaven.

¹⁰ People should not call you "Master". You have one Master. He is the Christ.

¹¹ The person who is greatest among you will help the others.

¹² Anyone who puts himself up will be brought down. And anyone who puts himself down will be brought up.