Matthew 10:1-19:2 Jesus then called His twelve apostles see next verse to Him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal all kinds of diseases and illnesses.

AUV⁽ⁱ⁾ ¹ Jesus then called His twelve apostles [see next verse] to Him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal all kinds of diseases and illnesses. ² Now the names of the twelve apostles were: First, Simon, also called Peter, Andrew, his brother, James and John, sons of Zebedee, ³ Philip, Bartholomew [i.e., the same as Nathaniel. See John 1:45], Thomas [i.e., the same as Didymus. See John 11:16], Matthew, the tax collector [i.e., the same as Levi. See Mark 2:14], James, the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus [i.e., the same as Judas, son of James. See Luke 6:16], ⁴ Simon, the Cananean [i.e., the same as the Zealot. See Luke 6:15], and Judas Iscariot, who also [besides being an apostle] was His betrayer. ⁵ Jesus sent these twelve apostles out and ordered them saying, “Do not go on any road leading to Gentile territory or enter any town of the Samaritans. ⁶ But [rather] go to the lost sheep of the people of Israel. ⁷ And preach as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is near.’ ⁸ Heal sick people, raise people from the dead, restore health to those with infectious skin diseases, and drive out evil spirits. You have received [blessings] freely, [now] give them out freely. ⁹ Do not take [any] gold, silver or copper [coinage] in your money belts, ¹⁰ or a traveling bag [for personal belongings], or a change of jackets or shoes, or [even] a walking stick [Note: By comparing this and the restriction in Matt. 10:10 with the permission given in Mark 6:8, the harmony seems to be “if you do not already have a walking stick, do not get one”]. For the worker deserves having his food provided. ¹¹ Then inquire around for a trustworthy family in every town or village you enter, and stay there [with them] until it is time to move on. ¹² When you enter a [particular] house, greet the people warmly [Note: The usual Jewish greeting was to say “Peace to you,” See Luke 10:4]. ¹³ And if the people seem trustworthy, express your wish for blessings to rest upon them. But if they prove to be untrustworthy, may those blessings remain on you [instead]. ¹⁴ And whoever does not welcome you or listen to what you have to say, shake the dust off of your shoes as you leave that house or town. [Note: This was a Jewish custom showing disdain and intended to suggest unworthiness] ¹⁵ It is true when I say to you, the districts around Sodom and Gomorrah [i.e., despite their gross sins] will be shown more leniency than that town on the day of judgment. ¹⁶ Here is how it will be: I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore you should be as crafty [Note: The Greek word here is “sensible”] as snakes, yet as harmless [Note: The Greek word is “sincere”] as doves. ¹⁷ But, watch out for people, for they will turn you over to the [Jewish] councils [for judgment] and will have you flogged in their synagogues. ¹⁸ Yes, you will [even] be brought in front of governors and kings for being loyal to me. [This will give you an opportunity] for witnessing to them [as well] as to the [unconverted] Gentiles. ¹⁹ But when they turn you over [to them], do not worry about how to speak or what you should say. For you will be told [i.e., by God] what to say at the right time. ²⁰ For it will not be you who speaks, but [rather] the Holy Spirit of your Father will be speaking in you. ²¹ [At that time] a person will turn his brother over to be killed, and the father [will do the same to] his child. And children will rebel against their parents and turn them over to be killed. ²² And you will be hated by everyone for being loyal to me. But the person who endures [this persecution by remaining faithful] to the end [of his life] is the one who will be saved [i.e., from spiritual and physical destruction]. ²³ When they persecute you in one town, run to the next one, for it is true when I tell you, you will not have traveled through [all] the towns of the Israelites until the Son of man comes [i.e., in His kingdom]. ²⁴ A disciple is not more important than his teacher, nor a slave more important than his master. ²⁵ A disciple is doing well if he can be [as good] as his teacher, and the slave [as good] as his master. If they have called the master of the house [i.e., Jesus] Beelzebub [i.e., the chief of evil spirits. See Mark 3:22], how much more [likely] will they call members of his household [i.e., the disciples] the same thing! ²⁶ Therefore, do not be afraid [of these persecutors], for there is nothing [they do that will remain] covered up; it will [all] be exposed. And there is nothing they will do secretly that will not be made known [openly]. ²⁷ What I am telling you in the darkness [i.e., in obscurity], you tell it in the light [i.e., openly]. And what you hear [whispered] in your ear [you should] declare it from the housetops. ²⁸ And do not be afraid of those who can kill your body but not your soul. Instead, fear Him [i.e., God] who is able to destroy both your soul and body in hell. [See note on 5:29]. ²⁹ Are not two sparrows sold [in the market for food] for a small coin [Note: The coin mentioned here was worth about a half hour’s worth of a farm laborer’s pay, or about $3 in 1994]? And not a [single] one of them can fall to the ground without your Father [knowing about it]. ³⁰ God even knows the number of hairs on your head [Note: The average full head of hair has approximately 25,000 hairs]. ³¹ So, do not be afraid, for you are [much] more valuable than many sparrows. ³² Therefore, every person who acknowledges me in front of people [i.e., to be their Lord and Christ], I will acknowledge him [i.e., to be my disciple] in front of my Father in heaven. ³³ But whoever disowns me in front of people [i.e., denies that I am the Christ, or that he is a disciple. See John 18:15-17, 25-27], I will disown him in front of my Father in heaven. ³⁴ Do not think that I came to bring [only] peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace [only] but [also] a sword [of division. See Luke 12:51]. ³⁵ For I came to set a person at odds against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. ³⁶ [In fact] a person’s enemies will be members of his own family [i.e., in some cases]. ³⁷ The person who loves his father and mother more than me does not deserve me [i.e., to be my disciple]. And the person who loves his son or daughter more than me does not deserve me [i.e., to be my disciple]. ³⁸ And the person who does not accept his cross [i.e., his responsibilities with all their difficulties] and become my follower does not deserve me. ³⁹ The person who finds [everything to satisfy him in] this life [here on earth] will lose [never ending life]. But the person who [is willing to] lose [the comforts and security of] this life [here on earth] for my sake [i.e., in loyal service to me] will find it [i.e., never ending life]. [See Mark 10:29-30] ⁴⁰ The person who welcomes you [into his home] welcomes me. And the person who welcomes me [into his life] welcomes God, who sent me. ⁴¹ The person who welcomes a prophet because he is a prophet will receive the [same] reward the prophet gets. And the person who welcomes a good man because he is good will receive the [same] reward the good man gets. ⁴² Truly I tell you, whoever gives a mere drink of cold water to one of these least significant [disciples of mine] because he is a disciple, will certainly not lose his [temporal or eternal] reward.”

¹¹ ¹ And so it happened, when Jesus had finished instructing His twelve apostles, He left there [and went] to teach and preach in the [other] Israelite towns. [See 10:23] ² Now while still in prison, John [the Immerser] heard about the things Christ was doing, [so] he sent [word] through his disciples ³ and said to Jesus, “Are you the One who was to come, or should we look for someone else?” ⁴ Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John the things you are hearing and seeing; ⁵ [how] blind people are receiving back their sight, and crippled people are walking [again], and people with infectious skin diseases are being healed, and deaf-mutes are hearing [and speaking (?) again], and people are being raised [from the dead], and poor people are having the good news preached to them. ⁶ The person who does not find an occasion for having doubts about my identity is fortunate indeed.” ⁷ As the messengers [sent by John. See Luke 7:27] went on their way, Jesus began to talk to the crowds about John. [He said], “What did you expect to see when you went out into the desert? A tall stem swaying in the wind? ⁸ What did you expect to see? A man dressed in fancy clothes? Look, people who wear fancy clothes live in kings’ palaces. ⁹ Why did you go out [to the desert]? To see a prophet? Yes, I should say [he was], and much more than a prophet. ¹⁰ He is the one about whom it was written [Mal. 3:1], ‘Look, I [will] send my messenger on ahead of you. He will prepare the pathway in front of you.’ ¹¹ It is true when I tell you, among [all] those born of women, no one greater than John the Immerser has come along. Yet the least significant person in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. ¹² And from the days of John the Immerser the kingdom of heaven is experiencing turmoil, for violent men are [trying to] take control of it [by bringing it into existence] forcibly [i.e., before its appointed time. See Acts 1:6-7]. ¹³ For all of the prophets and the law of Moses prophesied [of this kingdom] up until the time of John. ¹⁴ And if you are willing to accept [this truth], this person [i.e., John] fulfills [the prophecy of] the coming of Elijah. [See Mal. 4:5-6] ¹⁵ The person who has ears to hear with ought to listen [to this] carefully. ¹⁶ But what should I compare the people of this generation with? They are like children sitting in the open shopping market, who call out to their playmates, ¹⁷ ‘We [pretended like we] were making music [at a wedding] but you did not dance; we [pretended like we] were wailing [at a funeral] but you did not beat your chest [in mourning].’ ¹⁸ For when John came, he did not eat or drink [on festive occasions] and people said, ‘He is dominated by an evil spirit.’ ¹⁹ [Then] the Son of man came eating and drinking [at festive occasions] and they said, ‘Look, He is a glutton and a drunkard and a friend of tax collectors and worldly people.’ It proves that [God’s] wise counsel is right by the way things turn out.” ²⁰ Then Jesus began to rebuke the people of the towns where most of His powerful miracles were performed because they did not repent [when they saw Him perform them]. ²¹ [He said] “It will be too bad for you, Chorazin! It will be too bad for you, Bethsaida! For if the powerful miracles had been performed in [the cities of] Tyre and Sidon which were performed in your presence, they would have repented long ago, [demonstrating it] by wearing sackcloth [i.e., a coarse cloth made of goat hair] and throwing ashes [into the air]. ²² But I tell you, Tyre and Sidon will be shown more leniency on the judgment day than you people will. ²³ And Capernaum, do you think you will be lifted up toward heaven [as a proud city]? [No indeed], you will [surely] go down to the place of the unseen [i.e., become obscure or obliterated as a city]. For if the powerful miracles had been performed in Sodom which were performed in your presence, it would have remained [even] until today. ²⁴ But I say to you, Sodom will be shown more leniency on the judgment day than you will.” ²⁵ About that time Jesus said [in prayer], “I thank you, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things [i.e., the significance of Jesus’ words and works] from those who [thought they] were wise and intelligent and have [instead] revealed them to people who are child-like. ²⁶ Yes Father, you did this because it was very pleasing to you. ²⁷ “All things have been entrusted to me by my Father and no one [truly] knows the Son except the Father. And neither does anyone [truly] know the Father except the Son and that person to whom the Son wants to reveal Him. ²⁸ Come to me, all of you who are overworked and overburdened and I will give you rest [i.e., spiritual refreshment]. ²⁹ Accept my reins [on your life], and learn about me, because I am gentle and humble, and [in my service] you will experience rest in your spirits. ³⁰ For my reins [on your life] are easy [to respond to] and the burden I place [on you] is light.”

¹² ¹ About that time Jesus was walking through a grainfield on the Sabbath day. His disciples were hungry so began picking off some heads of grain to eat [the kernels]. [Note: It was an accepted practice for people in that day to be permitted to do this as they walked along paths bordering a grainfield]. ² But when the Pharisees saw this, they said to Him, “Look, your disciples are doing what is against the law of Moses to do on a Sabbath day.” ³ Jesus replied, “Have you not read what King David did when he and his men were hungry? [I Sam. 21:6] ⁴ He entered the house of God [i.e., the Temple] and ate the ‘Bread of Presence’, which was not permissible, according to the law of Moses, for him or those with him to do, since it was reserved only for the priests. ⁵ Or, have you not read in the law of Moses that the priests in the Temple defiled the Sabbath day [i.e., by doing the ‘work’ of offering sacrifices] and were not held guilty [of wrongdoing]? [See Num. 28:9-10] ⁶ But I tell you, someone greater than the Temple is here [with you]. ⁷ If you had [fully] understood what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not [only] sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned someone who was not guilty [of wrongdoing]. ⁸ For the Son of man is lord [i.e., has authority] over the Sabbath day.” ⁹ Jesus left there and went into their [i.e., the Pharisees’] synagogues, ¹⁰ and there He saw a man with a deformed hand. They asked Him, “Is it permissible by the law of Moses to heal someone on a Sabbath day?” ¹¹ He answered them, “Which one of you who has [only] one sheep, and it fell in a ditch, would not reach down and lift it out [even] if it were on a Sabbath day? ¹² Of how much more value then is a man than a sheep? Therefore, it is permissible by the law of Moses to do what is good on a Sabbath day.” ¹³ Then Jesus said to the man “Reach out your hand.” And when he stretched it out, it became normal, just like the other one. ¹⁴ But the Pharisees left and began discussing together how they could arrange to kill Him. ¹⁵ When Jesus perceived what they were doing He withdrew from that place. Many people followed Him and He healed all of them. ¹⁶ Then He urged them not to reveal His [true] identity, ¹⁷ so what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah would be fulfilled when he said, ¹⁸ [Isa. 13:1ff] “Look, see my [i.e., God’s] servant whom I have chosen; my dear One [i.e., Jesus] with whom my soul is very pleased: I will put my Holy Spirit on Him, and He will proclaim judgment to the [unconverted] Gentiles. ¹⁹ He will not be contentious nor shout out [loudly]. Neither will anyone hear His voice [raised] in the streets. ²⁰ He will not [even] break a wilted stalk or put out a smoldering [lamp] wick until He exercises judgment [upon mankind through the Gospel] in order to bring about victory [i.e., in people’s lives]. ²¹ So, in His name the [unconverted] Gentiles will have hope.” ²² Then a person dominated by an evil spirit, who was [also] blind and mute, was brought to Jesus. He healed the man so that he was able [both] to speak and see [again]. ²³ All the crowds of people were amazed and said, “Can this [Jesus] be the son of David?” ²⁴ But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, “This man does not drive out evil spirits except by [the power of] Beelzebub, the chief of evil spirits.” ²⁵ Knowing their thoughts Jesus said to them, “Every kingdom [plagued] with internal division will end in ruin. And every city or household divided from within will not survive. ²⁶ If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself, [so] how then can his kingdom stand? ²⁷ And if I drive out evil spirits by [the power of] Beelzebub, by whom do they [i.e., your people] drive them out? So, they become your judges. ²⁸ But if I drive out evil spirits by [the power of] the Holy Spirit, then [that is evidence that] the kingdom of God has come into your midst [i.e., by my presence and ministry]. ²⁹ Or, how can someone enter a strong man’s house and steal his belongings unless he first ties up the strong man? Only then will he be able to steal [his belongings] from his house. ³⁰ The person who is not on my side is [actually] against me. And the person who does not gather [people to me] is [actually] driving them away [from me]. ³¹ Therefore I tell you, people will be forgiven of every sin and abusive word spoken [against God]. But abusive words spoken against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. ³² And whoever speaks an [abusive] word against the Son of man will be forgiven [of it], but whoever speaks [an abusive word] against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven [of it], not in this world nor the one to come. ³³ Either be a healthy tree and produce wholesome fruit, or be a diseased tree and produce rotten fruit, for [the quality of] a tree will be recognized by [the quality of] its fruit. ³⁴ You children of snakes! Since you are evil, how do you expect to speak good things? For the mouth speaks what the heart is filled with. ³⁵ The good person produces good things from his storehouse of goodness. But the evil person produces bad things from his storehouse of evil. ³⁶ And I say to you, a person will [have to] give an account [to God] on the day of judgment for every careless word he had spoken [while on earth]. ³⁷ For you will be considered righteous by the words [you speak] and you will be condemned by the words [you speak].” ³⁸ Then certain experts in the law of Moses and some Pharisees answered Jesus, saying, “Teacher, we would like to see you perform a [supernatural] sign.” ³⁹ But He said to them, “It is [only] an evil and unfaithful [i.e., to God] generation of people that looks for a [supernatural] sign. And there will not be any sign given to it except the [supernatural] sign [demonstrated in the life] of Jonah, the prophet. ⁴⁰ For just like Jonah was in the stomach of the huge fish for three days and nights, so the Son of man will be in the heart of the earth [i.e., the cave-tomb] for three days and nights. ⁴¹ The people of Nineveh will stand up on the judgment day along with the people of this generation and will condemn them because they repented [i.e., changed their hearts and lives] when hearing the preaching of Jonah [See Jonah 3:5-10], and [now] Someone greater than Jonah is here [i.e., Jesus]. ⁴² The queen of the South [Note: This queen was from Sheba, I Kings 10:1, which was probably in Arabia] will stand up on the judgment day along with the people of this generation and will condemn them because she came from a great distance to hear [and see] Solomon’s wisdom [I Kings 10:1ff] and [now] Someone greater than Solomon is here [i.e., Jesus]. ⁴³ But when an evil spirit has been driven out of a person, it roams through desert regions trying to find rest but cannot find it. ⁴⁴ Then it says [to itself], I will return to my house which I came out of [i.e., the body of the person it dominated]. But when it returns [to that body] it finds it empty, cleaned out and [newly] decorated. ⁴⁵ Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits, more evil than itself, and they reenter [the body] and [begin to] live there, so that the latter state of that person becomes worse than the former [state]. It will be the same way with the people of this evil generation.” ⁴⁶ While Jesus was still speaking to the large crowds, His mother and [half-] brothers were standing outside [of the large house. See 13:1] wanting to speak to Him. ⁴⁷ Someone [from the crowd] said to Him, “Look, your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.” ⁴⁸ He answered the person who told Him, “[Just] who is my mother? And who are my brothers?” ⁴⁹ Then He stretched out His hand toward His disciples and said, “Look, [here is] my mother and my brothers!” ⁵⁰ “For whoever will do what my Father in heaven desires, is my brother and sister and mother.”

¹³ ¹ On that [same] day, Jesus went out of the house and sat down on the shore of the lake [i.e., Lake Galilee]. ² Great crowds gathered around Him so that He went and sat down in a boat [just off shore], while the crowd stood on the beach. ³ And He spoke many things to them in parables [i.e., brief stories to illustrate His teaching], saying, “Once a farmer went out [to his field] to plant grain. ⁴ And some of the seed he sowed [i.e., scattering it by hand] landed along the side of the road and birds came and ate it. ⁵ And other seed fell on rocky ground where there was not much soil and immediately it sprouted up because the soil was so shallow. ⁶ But when the sun came up these tender sprouts were scorched and, since they had such tiny roots, they [quickly] withered away. ⁷ And other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and [eventually] choked out the tender sprouts. ⁸ And [still] other seed fell onto fertile soil, where some of it produced a crop of one hundred, some sixty and some thirty times [as much as was planted]. ⁹ The person who has ears to hear with ought to listen [to this] carefully.” ¹⁰ Jesus’ disciples came and said to Him, “Why are you speaking to them [i.e., the large crowds] by using parables?” ¹¹ He replied, “You disciples are being given an understanding of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but the crowds of people are not. ¹² For to the person who [already] has something, [more] will be given, so he will have a larger amount [i.e., of understanding], but from the person who has [almost] nothing, even [the little] he has will be taken away from him. ¹³ Therefore, I am speaking to them with parables because [although] they can see, they [really] do not perceive, and [although] they can hear, they [really] do not comprehend, and so they [utterly] fail to understand [what I am trying to get across]. ¹⁴ So, the prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled by them, which says, [Isa. 6:9f] ‘You will hear all right, but you will not understand [what you hear]. You will see all right but you will not perceive [what you see]. ¹⁵ For these people’s minds are dull, and their ears have difficulty hearing, and they have shut their eyes. For if this were not the case, they would perceive what they see with their eyes, and comprehend what they hear with their ears, and understand with their minds and would turn [back to God] again so I would heal them [from their sins].’ ¹⁶ But your eyes are fortunate for they [really] see, and so are your ears, for they [really] hear. ¹⁷ For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people have desired to see the things you are seeing, but did not get to. They desired to hear the things you are hearing, but did not get to. ¹⁸ “Listen then to this parable of the farmer [who sowed seed]. ¹⁹ When anyone hears the message of the kingdom but does not understand it, the evil one [i.e., the devil] comes to him and grabs away what had been sown in his heart. This is the person who was scattered to the side of the road. ²⁰ And the person who was sown on rocky ground is the one who hears the message and immediately welcomes it joyfully, ²¹ but since he has such a shallow root, he lasts for [only] a short while. Then when trouble or persecution comes because of the message, immediately he falls away [from God]. ²² And the person who was sown among the thorns is the one who hears the message, but the anxieties of the world [i.e., of life] and the deceptiveness of [material] riches choke the message and he becomes unproductive. ²³ But the person who was sown on the fertile soil is the one who hears the message and understands it. Truly, he produces a crop that yields one hundred, sixty or thirty times [as much as was planted].” ²⁴ [Then] Jesus told them another parable, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is similar to a person who sowed seed in his field, ²⁵ but while his workers were asleep his enemy came and scattered weed seeds throughout his wheat field and then left. ²⁶ But when the [green] shoots sprouted up and produced grain, weeds appeared also. ²⁷ The farmer’s hired hands came and asked him, ‘Did you not plant [only] good seed in your field? Where did the weeds come from [then]?’ ²⁸ And he said to them, ‘An enemy [of mine] has done this [to me].’ The hired hands replied, ‘Do you want us then to go and gather up the weeds?’ ²⁹ But the farmer said, ‘No, for while you are gathering up the weeds, you might root up [some of] the wheat with them. ³⁰ Let both of them grow together until it is time for the harvest; then at that time, I will tell the harvesters, “Gather up the weeds first, and bind them up into bundles to burn. But gather the wheat into my barn.”’” ³¹ Jesus told them another parable, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is similar to a seed from the mustard tree which a man took and planted in his field. ³² This seed is indeed [one of] the smallest of all seeds, but when it is [fully] grown, it is larger than [other] plants, and [even] becomes a tree, so that the birds of the sky come and roost on its branches.” ³³ Then He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is similar to yeast, which a woman worked into a batch of dough [i.e., the amount was over half a bushel], until [the dough] was completely leavened [by it].” ³⁴ Jesus spoke all these things to the crowds with parables. He did not say anything to them without using a parable. ³⁵ [This was] so that what was spoken by the prophet would be fulfilled, when he said [Psa. 78:2], “I will open my mouth [to speak] with parables. I will say things that have been hidden from the beginning of time.” ³⁶ He then left the crowds and went into the house. [While there] His disciples came to Him, and said, “Explain to us [the meaning of] the parable of the weeds in the field.” ³⁷ And He answered them, “The person who planted the good seed is the Son of man, ³⁸ and the field [represents] the world. The good seed [represents] the children who belong to the kingdom, and the weeds [represent] the children who belong to the evil one [i.e., the devil]. ³⁹ The enemy who scattered the weed seeds is the devil; the harvest time is the end of the world; and the harvesters are angels. ⁴⁰ Just like the weeds were gathered up and burned with fire, so it will be at the end of the world. ⁴¹ The Son of man will send out His angels and they will gather out of His kingdom all those people who cause others to fall away [from God] and those who [continue to] sin. ⁴² He will throw these people into the fiery furnace where there will be crying and excruciating pain. ⁴³ Then the people who did what was right will shine out like the sun in their Father’s kingdom. The person who has ears [to hear with] ought to listen [to this] carefully. ⁴⁴ “The kingdom of heaven is similar to a person finding a treasure hidden in a field. After finding it, he was so happy he hid it [again], then went out and sold everything he owned so he could buy that field. ⁴⁵ “Again, the kingdom of heaven is similar to a [retail] merchant searching to buy some fine pearls. ⁴⁶ When he found an extremely valuable one he went and sold all that he owned and bought it. ⁴⁷ “Again, the kingdom of heaven is similar to a drag-net [for fishing] that was cast into the lake and gathered all kinds [of fish]. ⁴⁸ When it became full, the fishermen dragged it up onto the shore. Then they sat down and, [sorting their catch], placed the good [i.e., edible fish] into containers, but threw out the bad [i.e., inedible ones]. ⁴⁹ At the end of the world it will be that same way. The angels will come and divide the sinful people from the ones who did what was right, ⁵⁰ and throw the sinful ones into the fiery furnace where there will be crying and excruciating pain.” ⁵¹ “Have you understood all these things?” [Jesus asked]. “Yes,” they said to Him. ⁵² Then He said to them, “Therefore every expert in the law of Moses who has been made a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is similar to a [wealthy] homeowner who brought [both] new and old things out of his supply of goods.” ⁵³ And it happened, when Jesus had finished [giving] these parables, He went away from that place. ⁵⁴ And when He came to His home town [i.e., Nazareth], Jesus taught people in their synagogues to their amazement. They said, “Where did this man get [such] wisdom and [the ability to perform] these supernatural deeds? ⁵⁵ Is not he the carpenter’s [i.e., Joseph’s] son? [And] is not his mother named Mary, and his brothers [named] James, Joseph, Simon and Judas? ⁵⁶ And are not his sisters all [here] with us? Where then did he get all these things [i.e., wisdom, knowledge, miracles, etc]?” ⁵⁷ And they were led to doubt His true identity. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet does not go without being honored, except in His own home town and among His own family members.” ⁵⁸ So, He did not perform very many supernatural deeds in that place because of the people’s lack of faith.

¹⁴ ¹ About that time Herod the tetrarch [Note: This man was the son of Herod the Great (See 2: 1 and governor of that district] heard the report about what Jesus had been saying and doing. ² He told his servants, “This must be John, the Immerser; he has risen from the dead and [that explains how] these powers can work through him [i.e., Jesus].” ³ For Herod had arrested John and had him chained and put in prison in order to please Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife. ⁴ For John had said to him, “It is not lawful for you to be married to her.” ⁵ Now Herod wanted to have him put to death, [but hesitated], fearing the crowd, because they considered John to be a prophet. ⁶ But when Herod’s birthday came, Herodias’ daughter [Note: According to Josephus her name was Salome], pleased him by [her sensual] dancing in front of the party guests. ⁷ [Herod was so pleased with her performance that] he promised, with an oath, to give her whatever she asked for [i.e., with limitations. See Mark 6:23]. ⁸ Her mother persuaded her to say, “Give me the head of John, the Immerser, here on this [large] platter.” ⁹ Now King Herod became very distressed [over such a gruesome request]; but because he had [promised with] oaths and [to look good in front of] his party guests, he ordered John’s head to be given [to her]. ¹⁰ So, he sent [word to his officers] and had John decapitated in the prison. ¹¹ His head was brought on a [large] platter and given to the young woman [i.e., Salome], and she took it to her mother [i.e., Herodias]. ¹² Jesus’ disciples came and took the body and buried it; then they went and told Jesus [all about the incident]. ¹³ Now when Jesus heard about it He left there in a boat and went [across to the east side of the lake] to a deserted place. When the crowds found out [He was leaving] they followed Him [i.e., by traveling around] on the shore from the [surrounding] towns. ¹⁴ When Jesus came out [of His place of seclusion] and saw a large crowd, He felt a deep compassion for them and healed their sick people. ¹⁵ When it became evening, the disciples came to Him and said, “This place is deserted and it is getting late. Send the crowds away so they can go into the towns and buy food [for their supper].” ¹⁶ But Jesus said to them, “They do not need to go away; you men give them [something] to eat.” ¹⁷ And they replied, “But we have here [only] five loaves of [barley] bread [See John 6:9] and two [probably smoked] fish.” ¹⁸ And He said, “Bring the bread and fish here to me.” ¹⁹ He ordered the crowds to recline on the grass. Then He took the five loaves of bread and two fish and, looking up to heaven, asked God’s blessing on the food, broke it [in pieces], then gave it to the disciples to distribute to the crowds. ²⁰ They all ate until they were full, then gathered up twelve baskets full of the remaining broken pieces. ²¹ Those eating numbered about five thousand men, in addition to the women and children. ²² Then immediately Jesus ordered the disciples to enter the boat and row on ahead of Him to the other side [i.e., to the west side of Lake Galilee] until He could send the crowds away. ²³ After He had dispersed them, He went up into the mountain by Himself to pray. When evening had come He was there alone. ²⁴ [Meanwhile] the boat, still some distance from shore, was being severely battered by the waves because of the opposing winds. ²⁵ Then between three and six o’clock in the morning Jesus came walking to them on the [surface of the] lake. ²⁶ When the disciples saw Him walking on the water they became frightened, saying, “It is a spirit!” and cried out with fear. ²⁷ Just then Jesus called out to them, “Take courage and do not be afraid; it is I.” ²⁸ Peter answered Him, “Lord, if it is [really] you, ask me to come to you [walking] on the water.” ²⁹ And Jesus replied, “Come [ahead].” So, Peter climbed over the side of the boat and went to Jesus, walking on the water. ³⁰ But when he saw the [furious] wind he became fearful and began to sink, shouting out, “Lord, save me!” ³¹ And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him and said, “You have such little faith; why did you doubt?” ³² And when they [i.e., both Jesus and Peter] got up into the boat, the wind [immediately] stopped. ³³ Then the disciples in the boat worshiped Jesus, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” ³⁴ And when they had [finally] crossed over [i.e., to the west side of the lake], they landed at the region of Gennesaret. ³⁵ When the people there recognized Jesus, they sent to all the surrounding regions and had all who were sick brought to Him. ³⁶ They begged Him that they might only touch the edge of His robe. And all those who got to touch it were made well.

¹⁵ ¹ Then some Pharisees and experts in the law of Moses came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said, ² “Why do your disciples violate the tradition of the [Jewish] elders? For they do not [ceremonially] wash their hands before eating [their meals].” ³ And He answered them, “Why do you also violate the commandments of God by [following] your traditions? ⁴ For God said, [Ex. 20:12], ‘Give honor to your father and mother.’ and [Ex. 21:17], ‘Whoever says bad things about his father or mother should surely be put to death.’ ⁵ But you say, ‘Whoever says to his father or mother, I have given to God the money I could have helped you with;’ ⁶ this person does not honor his father [or mother]. You have made God’s message useless by [thus enforcing] your traditions. ⁷ You hypocrites! Isaiah prophesied accurately about you, saying [Isa. 29:13], ⁸ ‘These people [claim to] honor me with their lips [i.e., by what they say], but their heart is far from [honoring] me. ⁹ They are worshiping me for nothing [because they are] teaching principles that are [merely] the requirements of men.’” ¹⁰ Then Jesus called the crowds to come to Him, and He said to them, “Listen and understand. ¹¹ It is not what enters the mouth of a person that [spiritually] corrupts him, but what proceeds out of his mouth that [spiritually] corrupts him.” ¹² Then His disciples came and said to Him, “Do you know that the Pharisees were upset [with you] when they heard [you say] that?” ¹³ But He answered and said, “Every plant that my heavenly Father did not plant will be uprooted. ¹⁴ [So], let these Pharisees alone; they are blind leaders. And if a blind person leads a blind person, both of them will fall into a ditch.” ¹⁵ And Peter said to Him, “Explain the parable to us.” ¹⁶ And He replied, “Are you still unable to understand? ¹⁷ Do you not realize that whatever enters a person’s mouth goes into his stomach and [eventually] passes out into the toilet? ¹⁸ But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from his heart. These are what [spiritually] corrupt a person. ¹⁹ For evil thoughts, murder, extramarital affairs, sexual immorality, stealing, perjury, slander --- [all these] come from a person’s heart, ²⁰ and are what corrupt him [spiritually]. But eating [a meal] with [ceremonially] unwashed hands does not [spiritually] corrupt him.” ²¹ And Jesus left there and went into the regions of Tyre and Sidon [i.e., cities on the northwest coast of Palestine]. ²² Just then a Canaanite woman came out of that area [Note: Mark 7:26 calls her a Syrophoenician Gentile], crying, “O Lord, son of David, have pity on me. My daughter is seriously troubled by an evil spirit.” ²³ But He did not say a word to her. His disciples came and begged Him, “Send her away, for she is [continually] shouting at us [as we go along].” ²⁴ He answered them, “I was sent only to the straying sheep of the Israelites.” ²⁵ But she came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, help me.” ²⁶ And He answered [her], “It is not proper to take bread away from the children and throw it to the dogs.” ²⁷ But she replied, “Yes, Lord, but even dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their owner’s table.” ²⁸ Then Jesus answered her, “O, woman, how great your faith is. May what you want be done for you.” And her daughter was healed that very moment. ²⁹ Jesus left there and went [over] near Lake Galilee. He went up into a mountain and sat down there. ³⁰ Large crowds came to Him, bringing crippled, blind, deaf-mute, disabled and many other [sick] people and laid them down at His feet. And He healed [all of] them, ³¹ so that the crowd marveled when they saw deaf-mutes talking, injured people healed, crippled people walking and blind people seeing. And they honored the God of the Israelites [for such great miracles]. ³² Jesus called His disciples to Him and said, “I feel deeply moved over this crowd, because they have continued listening to me for three days now, and have nothing [left] to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry because they will become weak along the way.” ³³ And the disciples said to Him, “Where will we get enough loaves of bread to feed a large crowd in [such] a deserted place [as this]?” ³⁴ Jesus replied, “How many loaves of bread do you have?” They said, “[We have] seven [loaves] and a few small fish.” ³⁵ Then He ordered the crowd to sit down on the ground, ³⁶ and He took the seven loaves of bread and the fish and gave thanks to God for them. He divided the food and gave it to the disciples who, [in turn], distributed it to the crowds. ³⁷ They all ate until they were full; then gathered up seven baskets full of broken pieces which were left over. ³⁸ The number who ate were four thousand men, besides women and children. ³⁹ Jesus then sent the crowds away while He boarded a boat and crossed the lake to the region of Magadan [i.e., the west side of Lake Galilee].

¹⁶ ¹ The Pharisees and Sadducees came [and attempted] to test Jesus [by] asking Him to perform a [supernatural] sign from heaven. ² But He answered them, {[{[These words are omitted in most ancient manuscripts: “When the sky is reddish in the evening, you predict fair weather [for the next day]. ³ And when the sky is reddish and overcast in the morning, you predict [that it will be] bad weather that day. You know how to interpret [weather] conditions from the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times [i.e., what will happen in the spiritual realm]”]}]}. ⁴ “It is an evil and spiritually unfaithful generation of people [that keeps on] looking for a [supernatural] sign; but there will be no [such] sign given to it except the sign of Jonah [i.e., being in the huge fish for three days].” Then He left them and went away. ⁵ Now the disciples came to the other side [i.e., to the east side of the lake], but had forgotten to bring food [with them]. ⁶ Jesus said to them, “Pay attention and watch out for the leavening [effect] of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” ⁷ And they began reasoning among themselves, saying, “[Why be concerned about yeast since] we did not bring [any] bread?” ⁸ Jesus, being aware of their thoughts, said, “O, you people with [such] little faith! Why are you reasoning among yourselves about not having bread? ⁹ Do you not understand yet or remember that five thousand people [were fed] with five loaves of bread and how many baskets [of pieces] were picked up [afterward]? ¹⁰ Or that four thousand people [were fed] with seven loaves of bread and how many baskets [of pieces] were picked up [afterward]? ¹¹ How is it that you do not understand that I was not speaking to you about [physical] bread? But [rather I meant] watch out for the yeast [i.e., the influence] of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” ¹² Then they understood that He was not telling them to watch out for the yeast in [physical] bread, but for the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. ¹³ Now when Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, “Who are people saying that the Son of man is?” ¹⁴ They replied, “Some say you are John the Immerser; some [the prophet] Elijah; and others [the prophet] Jeremiah, or one of the [other] prophets [come back to life].” ¹⁵ He [then] said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” ¹⁶ And Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ [i.e., God’s specially chosen one], the Son of the living God.” ¹⁷ Jesus replied, “Simon, son of Jonah, you are fortunate [indeed], for this [truth] was not revealed to you by human beings but [rather] by my Father who is in heaven. ¹⁸ And I also tell you, [although] you are Peter [i.e., a stone], it is on this rock [i.e., the truth you have just confessed] that I will build my church and [not even] the gates of the unseen place of departed spirits will win out over it [i.e., all efforts to stamp out the church by killing Christians will fail]. ¹⁹ [And] I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven [i.e., for opening up the way into it]. And whatever [truth] you [and the other apostles. See 18:18] require [people to believe and practice] here on earth will have already been required of them [by God] in heaven. And whatever [truth] you do not require [of people] on earth, will not be required [by God] in heaven.” ²⁰ Then He ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that He was the Christ. ²¹ From that time onward Jesus began to explain to His disciples that He would have to go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the [Jewish] elders, leading priests, and experts in the law of Moses; [that He would then] be killed and [yet] raised up on the third day. ²² Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “I should say not, Lord; that will never happen to you.” ²³ But Jesus turned to Peter and said, “Get away from me, Satan; you are causing a hindrance to me because you are not thinking about God’s things but about men’s.” ²⁴ Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wants to be my follower, he should deny self [i.e., of always having its own way] and lift up his cross [of responsibility] and [then he can] become my follower. ²⁵ For whoever would [try to] save his life [i.e., by neglecting spiritual things] will lose it [i.e., miss out on the blessings of God]. But whoever [is willing to] lose his life [i.e., in commitment to God’s service] for my sake will find it [i.e., obtain both temporal and spiritual blessings]. ²⁶ For what benefit is it to a person if he gains the whole world [of material things] but [has to] give up his life [i.e., all the spiritual blessings]? Or what should a person give in exchange for his life? ²⁷ For the Son of man will return in the splendor of His Father, accompanied by His angels. Then He will reward or punish every person in proportion to what he has done [with his life]. ²⁸ It is true when I tell you, some of those standing here will not die before they see the Son of man coming in His kingdom.”

¹⁷ ¹ And after six days [had passed], Jesus took Peter, James, and his brother John aside and went up into a high mountain [i.e., an unidentified mountain nearby]. ² There His whole appearance was [miraculously] changed in front of them. His face shone [as brilliantly] as the sun and His clothing became as bright as light. ³ Then suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Jesus. ⁴ Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is so good for us to be here. If you wish, I will build three [small] shelters here, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” [Note: Perhaps Peter wanted to provide quarters for the three to stay temporarily, thus prolonging the wonderful experience. In any event, he should not have done what suggested that Moses and Elijah were equal to Jesus]. ⁵ While he was still talking, suddenly a bright cloud engulfed them. Just then, a voice spoke out of the cloud, saying, “This is my dearly loved Son, who is very pleasing to me; listen to Him.” ⁶ And when the disciples heard [the voice], they fell [to the ground] on their faces and became very afraid. ⁷ But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up, and do not be afraid.” ⁸ When they looked up, the only one they saw was Jesus. ⁹ And as they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus ordered them, saying, “Do not tell anyone about the vision [you have just seen] until the Son of man has been raised from the dead.” ¹⁰ His disciples asked Him, “Why then [since you are obviously the Messiah] do the experts in the law of Moses say that Elijah must come first, [i.e., before the Messiah]?” ¹¹ Jesus answered them, “Elijah truly was to come, and restore all things [i.e., to their proper perspective concerning the Messiah]. ¹² But I tell you that Elijah has already come, but they [i.e., the Jewish leaders] did not understand who he was, but [instead] did to him what they wanted to. In the same way, the Son of man will also suffer from what the Jews will do.” ¹³ Then the disciples understood that He was talking to them about John the Immerser. ¹⁴ When Jesus and His disciples met the crowd [that was gathered], a man came kneeling down to Jesus and saying to Him, ¹⁵ “Lord, take pity on my son, for he has violent seizures and suffers intense pain. He often falls into a fire or into water. [Note: This man was also dominated by an evil spirit. See verse 18]. ¹⁶ I brought him to [some of] your disciples [for help] but they were not able to heal him.” ¹⁷ Jesus replied [to the crowd], “You perverse generation of faithless people! How long must I be with you [i.e., before you understand]? How long do I have to be patient with you? Bring the sick boy to me.” ¹⁸ Then Jesus spoke sternly to [the evil spirit in] the boy, and it left him, and he was immediately healed. ¹⁹ Then Jesus’ disciples came to Him privately and said, “Why could we not drive out that evil spirit?” ²⁰ He answered them, “[It was] because you had such little faith. For truly I tell you, if you have faith as [small as] a mustard tree seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to that place over there’ and it would move. And nothing will be impossible for you [to do].” {[{[Some manuscripts contain the following verse: ²¹ But this kind [of spirit] can not be driven out except by praying and fasting.]}]} ²² And while the disciples were staying in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of man will be handed over to [evil] men ²³ and they will kill Him, but on the third day He will be raised up [from the dead].” And they were very grieved [when they heard this]. ²⁴ When Jesus and His disciples came to Capernaum, the collectors of the tax [Note: This was the annual tax used for meeting the expenses of the Temple service and consisted of two days’ worth of a farm laborer’s pay, or about $140 in 1994] came to Peter and said, “Does not your teacher [also] pay the [Temple] tax?” ²⁵ He replied, “Yes, [He does].” And when Peter entered the house, Jesus spoke to him first, [i.e., without waiting for Peter to tell Him what he had said to the tax collectors], saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do earthly kings collect custom duty and taxes? From their children or from strangers?” ²⁶ And when Peter said, “From strangers,” Jesus added, “Therefore, children are free [from such taxation]. ²⁷ But, so that we do not become a hindrance to these [tax collectors], go to the lake and cast in your hook [and line]. Then take the first fish [you catch], open its mouth and you will find a coin [i.e., worth twice the amount of an individual’s Temple tax assessment]. Take it and give it [to the tax collectors] for you and me.”

¹⁸ ¹ At that very time His disciples came to Jesus, asking, “Who then is the most important person in the kingdom of heaven?” ² So, He called to Him a little child and placed him in front of them, ³ and said, “Truly I tell you, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven unless you turn [your life around] and become like little children [i.e., having child-like humility]. ⁴ Therefore, the person who will humble himself, as this little child, is the most important person in the kingdom of heaven. ⁵ And the person who welcomes one little child like this, in my name [i.e., because he belongs to me], welcomes me [also]. ⁶ But that person who causes one of these little ones [i.e., humble followers of the Lord] who believes in me to be led astray [from God], he would have been better off to have had a huge millstone tied around his neck and dumped into a deep ocean [Note: This “millstone” was a heavy circular stone rolled over grain to crush it and was moved by an animal walking in a circle]. ⁷ “It will be too bad for the world because of occasions that cause people to fall away [from God]! For it is inevitable that such occasions come, but it is too bad for that person who is responsible for causing it to happen. ⁸ If your hand or your foot becomes the occasion for you falling away [from God], cut them off and throw them away. It would be better for you to enter [never ending] life disabled or crippled, rather than keeping both hands and both feet and being thrown into the never ending fire [i.e., because they caused you to fall away from God]. ⁹ And if your eye becomes the occasion for you falling away [from God], gouge it out and throw it away, for it would be better for you to enter [never ending] life with [only] one eye, rather than keeping both eyes and being thrown into a fiery hell [i.e., because one of them caused you to fall away from God]. ¹⁰ Make sure you do not look down on any one of these little ones [i.e., humble followers of Christ]. For I tell you, their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven. {[{[Some ancient manuscripts include verse ¹¹ For the Son of man came to save those who were lost.]}]} ¹² What do you think? If anyone had a hundred sheep, and one of them wandered away, would he not leave the ninety-nine [safe ones] and go to the mountains looking for the one that wandered away? ¹³ Truly I tell you, if he happens to find it, he is happier over it than over the ninety-nine that had not wandered away. ¹⁴ In the same way, it is not the will of your Father in heaven that [a single] one of these little ones [i.e., humble followers of Christ] should be lost. ¹⁵ “And if your brother sins against you, go and show him where he wronged you, [but] keep it between just the two of you. If he listens to you [i.e., accepts your reasoning and repents], you have won your brother [back]. ¹⁶ But if he does not listen [to your reasoning], take one or two other people with you, so that two or three witnesses can verify every word [that was said]. ¹⁷ And if he refuses to listen to them [i.e., the witnesses], explain the [whole] matter to the church [i.e., probably a specially called meeting of mature Christians to resolve the matter]. And if he refuses to listen to the church also, [i.e., to acknowledge his sin and repent of it], consider him like an [unconverted] Gentile or tax collector [i.e., do not have fellowship with him]. ¹⁸ Truly I tell you, whatever [truth] you disciples require [of people to believe and obey] on earth will have [already] been required [by God] in heaven. And whatever [truth] you do not require [of people to believe and obey] on earth, will not have [already] been required [by God] in heaven. ¹⁹ I tell you again, if two of you agree [here] on earth concerning anything you ask for [i.e., in prayer], God in heaven will grant it to you. ²⁰ For I am in the presence of two or three [disciples] wherever they are gathered in my name.” ²¹ Then Peter came and said to Jesus, “Lord, how often must I forgive my brother when he sins against me? As many as seven times?” ²² Jesus replied, “I tell you, not [just] up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven [i.e., a large indefinite number of times]. ²³ “Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is similar to a certain king who decided to settle his account with his servants. ²⁴ When he began figuring, one of his servants, who owed him a huge sum of money [Note: The amount is variously estimated to be as much as $50,000,000 in 1994], was brought to him. ²⁵ But since he did not have enough [money] to pay [what he owed], his master ordered that he, his wife, his children and all his possessions be sold [in order] to pay [his debt]. ²⁶ The servant then fell to the ground [before his master] and humbly implored him, saying, ‘Master, [please] be patient with me and I will repay you everything [I owe].’ ²⁷ And the master of that servant felt deep pity [for him], so released him [from custody] and canceled his debt. ²⁸ But that [same] servant went out and found one of his fellow-servants who owed him a small sum of money [Note: The amount was about 100 days of a farm laborer’s pay or about $7,000 in 1994]. He grabbed him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay [me] what you owe.’ ²⁹ His fellow-servant fell [on the ground before him] and begged him, saying, ‘[Please] be patient with me and I will repay you [all I owe you].’ ³⁰ But he would not do it. Instead, he took him and had him thrown into prison until he paid [him] all he owed. ³¹ When his fellow-servants saw what he had done, they were very upset and went and told their master everything that had happened. ³² Then his master called for him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I canceled all of your debt because you begged me to. ³³ Should you not also have had pity on your fellow-servant just as I pitied you?’ ³⁴ His master then became furious and turned him over [to the authorities] to be punished until he paid all that he owed. ³⁵ In the same way my heavenly Father will also deal with you [i.e., punish you] unless every one of you forgives his brother from the heart.”

¹⁹ ¹ And so when Jesus had finished speaking He left Galilee and came to the region of Judea, on the east side of the Jordan River. ² Large crowds followed Him there and were healed by Him.