Jesus Is Lord of the Sabbath Day

6 One Sabbath day Jesus was walking through the grainfields. His disciples began to break off some heads of grain. They rubbed them in their hands and ate them.

2Some of the Pharisees said, “It is against the Law to do this on the Sabbath. Why are you doing it?”

3Jesus answered them, “Haven’t you ever read about what David did? He and his men were hungry. 4He entered the house of God and took the holy bread. He ate the bread that only priests were allowed to eat. David also gave some to his men.”

5Then Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath day.”

6On another Sabbath day, Jesus went into the synagogue and was teaching. A man whose right hand was weak and twisted was there. 7The Pharisees and the teachers of the law were trying to find fault with Jesus. So they watched him closely. They wanted to see if he would heal on the Sabbath.

8But Jesus knew what they were thinking. He spoke to the man who had the weak and twisted hand. “Get up and stand in front of everyone,” he said. So the man got up and stood there.

9Then Jesus said to them, “What does the Law say we should do on the Sabbath day? Should we do good? Or should we do evil? Should we save life? Or should we destroy it?”

10He looked around at all of them.

Then he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.”

He did, and his hand was as good as new.

11But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law were very angry. They began to talk to each other about what they might do to Jesus.

Jesus Chooses the Twelve Apostles

12On one of those days, Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray. He spent the night praying to God. 13When morning came, he called for his disciples to come to him. He chose 12 of them and made them apostles.

14Simon was one of them. Jesus gave him the name Peter. There were also Simon’s brother Andrew, James, John, Philip and Bartholomew. 15And there were Matthew, Thomas, and James, son of Alphaeus. There were also Simon who was called the Zealot 16and Judas, son of James. Judas Iscariot was one of them too. He was the one who would later hand Jesus over to his enemies.

Jesus Gives Blessings and Warnings

17Jesus went down the mountain with them and stood on a level place. A large crowd of his disciples was there. A large number of other people were there too. They came from all over Judea, including Jerusalem. They also came from the coast of Tyre and Sidon.

18They had all come to hear Jesus and to be healed of their sicknesses. People who were troubled by evil spirits were made well. 19Everyone tried to touch Jesus. Power was coming from him and healing them all.

20Jesus looked at his disciples. He said to them,

“Blessed are you who are needy.

God’s kingdom belongs to you.

21 Blessed are you who are hungry now.

You will be satisfied.

Blessed are you who are sad now.

You will laugh.

22 Blessed are you when people hate you,

when they have nothing to do with you

and say bad things about you,

and when they treat your name as something evil.

They do all this because you are followers of the Son of Man.

23“Their people treated the prophets the same way long ago. When these things happen to you, be glad and jump for joy. You will receive many blessings in heaven.

24 “But how terrible it will be for you who are rich!

You have already had your easy life.

25 How terrible for you who are well fed now!

You will go hungry.

How terrible for you who laugh now!

You will cry and be sad.

26 How terrible for you when everyone says good things about you!

Their people treated the false prophets the same way long ago.

Love Your Enemies

27“But here is what I tell you who hear me. Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. 28Bless those who call down curses on you. And pray for those who treat you badly.

29“Suppose someone hits you on one cheek. Turn your other cheek to him also. Suppose someone takes your coat. Don’t stop him from taking your shirt.

30“Give to everyone who asks you. And if anyone takes what belongs to you, don’t ask to get it back. 31Do to others as you want them to do to you.

32“Suppose you love those who love you. Should anyone praise you for that? Even ‘sinners’ love those who love them. 33And suppose you do good to those who are good to you. Should anyone praise you for that? Even ‘sinners’ do that. 34And suppose you lend money to those who can pay you back. Should anyone praise you for that? Even a ‘sinner’ lends to ‘sinners,’ expecting them to pay everything back.

35“But love your enemies. Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then you will receive a lot in return. And you will be sons of the Most High God. He is kind to people who are evil and are not thankful. 36So have mercy, just as your Father has mercy.

Be Fair When You Judge Others

37“If you do not judge others, then you will not be judged. If you do not find others guilty, then you will not be found guilty. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38Give, and it will be given to you. A good amount will be poured into your lap. It will be pressed down, shaken together, and running over. The same amount you give will be measured out to you.”

39Jesus also gave them another example. He asked, “Can a blind person lead another blind person? Won’t they both fall into a pit? 40Students are not better than their teachers. But everyone who is completely trained will be like his teacher.

41“You look at the bit of sawdust in your friend’s eye. But you pay no attention to the piece of wood in your own eye. 42How can you say to your friend, ‘Let me take the bit of sawdust out of your eye’? How can you say this while there is a piece of wood in your own eye? You pretender! First take the piece of wood out of your own eye. Then you will be able to see clearly to take the bit of sawdust out of your friend’s eye.

A Tree and Its Fruit

43“A good tree doesn’t bear bad fruit. And a bad tree doesn’t bear good fruit. 44You can tell each tree by the kind of fruit it bears. People do not pick figs from thorns. And they don’t pick grapes from bushes.

45“A good man says good things. These come from the good that is put away in his heart. An evil man says evil things. These come from the evil that is put away in his heart. Their mouths say everything that is in their hearts.

The Wise and Foolish Builders

46“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and still don’t do what I say? 47Some people come to me and listen to me and do what I say. I will show you what they are like. 48They are like someone who builds a house. He digs down deep and sets it on solid rock. When a flood comes, the river rushes against the house. But the water can’t shake it. The house is well built.

49“But here is what happens when people listen to my words and do not obey them. They are like someone who builds a house on soft ground instead of solid rock. The moment the river rushes against that house, it falls down. It is completely destroyed.”

A Roman Commander Has Faith

7 Jesus finished saying all those things to the people. Then he entered Capernaum.

2There the servant of a Roman commander was sick and about to die. His master thought highly of him. 3The commander heard about Jesus. So he sent some elders of the Jews to him. He told them to ask Jesus to come and heal his servant.

4They came to Jesus and begged him, “This man deserves to have you do this. 5He loves our nation and has built our synagogue.” 6So Jesus went with them.

When Jesus came near the house, the Roman commander sent friends to him. He told them to say, “Lord, don’t trouble yourself. I am not good enough to have you come into my house. 7That is why I did not even think I was fit to come to you. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 8I myself am a man who is under authority. And I have soldiers who obey my orders. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes. I tell that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”

9When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him. He turned to the crowd that was following him. He said, “I tell you, even in Israel I have not found anyone whose faith is so strong.”

10Then the men who had been sent to Jesus returned to the house. They found that the servant was healed.

Jesus Raises a Widow’s Son From the Dead

11Some time later, Jesus went to a town called Nain. His disciples and a large crowd went along with him. 12He approached the town gate. Just then, a dead person was being carried out. He was the only son of his mother. She was a widow. A large crowd from the town was with her.

13When the Lord saw her, he felt sorry for her. So he said, “Don’t cry.”

14Then he went up and touched the coffin. Those carrying it stood still.

Jesus said, “Young man, I say to you, get up!”

15The dead man sat up and began to talk. Then Jesus gave him back to his mother.

16The people were all filled with wonder and praised God. “A great prophet has appeared among us,” they said. “God has come to help his people.” 17This news about Jesus spread all through Judea and the whole country.

Jesus and John the Baptist

18John’s disciples told him about all these things. So he chose two of them. 19He sent them to the Lord. They were to ask Jesus, “Are you the one who was supposed to come? Or should we look for someone else?”

20The men came to Jesus. They said, “John the Baptist sent us to ask you, ‘Are you the one who was supposed to come? Or should we look for someone else?’ ”

21At that very time Jesus healed many people. They had illnesses, sicknesses and evil spirits. He also gave sight to many who were blind. 22So Jesus replied to the messengers, “Go back to John. Tell him what you have seen and heard. Blind people receive sight. Disabled people walk. Those who have skin diseases are healed. Deaf people hear. Those who are dead are raised to life. And the good news is preached to those who are poor. 23Blessed are those who do not give up their faith because of me.”

24So John’s messengers left. Then Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John. He said, “What did you go out into the desert to see? Tall grass waving in the wind? 25If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No. Those who wear fine clothes and have many expensive things are in palaces. 26Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.

27“He is the one written about in Scripture. It says,

“ ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you.

He will prepare your way for you.’ (Malachi 3:1)

28I tell you, no one more important than John has ever been born. But the least important person in God’s kingdom is more important than he is.”

29All the people who heard Jesus’ words agreed that God’s way was right. Even the tax collectors agreed. These people had all been baptized by John. 30But the Pharisees and the authorities on the law did not accept God’s purpose for themselves. They had not been baptized by John.

31“What can I compare today’s people to?” Jesus asked. “What are they like? 32They are like children sitting in the market place and calling out to each other. They say,

“ ‘We played a flute for you.

But you didn’t dance.

We sang a funeral song.

But you didn’t cry.’

33“That is how it has been with John the Baptist. When he came to you, he didn’t eat bread or drink wine. And you say, ‘He has a demon.’ 34But when the Son of Man came, he ate and drank as you do. And you say, ‘This fellow is always eating and drinking far too much. He’s a friend of tax collectors and “sinners.” ’ 35All who follow wisdom prove that wisdom is right.”

A Sinful Woman Pours Perfume on Jesus

36One of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him. So he went to the Pharisee’s house. He took his place at the table.

37There was a woman in that town who had lived a sinful life. She learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house. So she came with a special sealed jar of perfume. 38She stood behind Jesus and cried at his feet. She began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair. She kissed them and poured perfume on them.

39The Pharisee who had invited Jesus saw this. He said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him. He would know what kind of woman she is. She is a sinner!”

40Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.”

“Tell me, teacher,” he said.

41“Two people owed money to a certain lender. One owed him 500 silver coins. The other owed him 50 silver coins. 42Neither of them had the money to pay him back. So he let them go without paying. Which of them will love him more?”

43Simon replied, “I suppose the one who owed the most money.”

“You are right,” Jesus said.

44Then he turned toward the woman. He said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water to wash my feet. But she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45You did not give me a kiss. But this woman has not stopped kissing my feet since I came in. 46You did not put any olive oil on my head. But she has poured perfume on my feet. 47So I tell you this. Her many sins have been forgiven. She has loved a lot. But the one who has been forgiven little loves only a little.”

48Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”

49The other guests began to talk about this among themselves. They said, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”

50Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”

The Story of the Farmer

8 After this, Jesus traveled around from one town and village to another. He announced the good news of God’s kingdom. The Twelve were with him. 2So were some women who had been healed of evil spirits and sicknesses. One was Mary Magdalene. Seven demons had come out of her. 3Another was Joanna, the wife of Cuza. He was the manager of Herod’s household. Susanna and many others were there also. These women were helping to support Jesus and the Twelve with their own money.

4A large crowd gathered together. People came to Jesus from town after town. As they did, he told a story. He said, 5“A farmer went out to plant his seed. He scattered the seed on the ground. Some fell on a path. People walked on it, and the birds of the air ate it up. 6Some seed fell on rocky places. When it grew, the plants dried up because they had no water. 7Other seed fell among thorns. The thorns grew up with it and crowded out the plants. 8Still other seed fell on good soil. It grew up and produced a crop 100 times more than the farmer planted.”

When Jesus said this, he called out, “Those who have ears should listen.”

9His disciples asked him what the story meant.

10He said, “You have been given the chance to understand the secrets of God’s kingdom. But to outsiders I speak by using stories. In that way,

“ ‘They see, but they will not know what they are seeing.

They hear, but they will not understand what they are hearing.’ (Isaiah 6:9)

11“Here is what the story means. The seed is God’s message. 12People on the path are those who hear. But then the devil comes. He takes away the message from their hearts. He does it so they won’t believe. Then they can’t be saved. 13Those on the rock are the ones who hear the message and receive it with joy. But they have no roots. They believe for a while. But when they are put to the test, they fall away from the faith. 14The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear the message. But as they go on their way, they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures. So they do not reach full growth.

15“But the seed on good soil stands for those with an honest and good heart. They hear the message. They keep it in their hearts. They remain faithful and produce a good crop.

A Lamp on a Stand

16“People do not light a lamp and then hide it in a jar or put it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand. Then those who come in can see its light. 17What is hidden will be seen. And what is out of sight will be brought into the open and made known.

18“So be careful how you listen. If you have something, you will be given more. If you have nothing, even what you think you have will be taken away from you.”

Jesus’ Mother and Brothers

19Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him. But they could not get near him because of the crowd. 20Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside. They want to see you.”

21He replied, “My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and do what it says.”

Jesus Calms the Storm

22One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s go over to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and left.

23As they sailed, Jesus fell asleep. A storm came down on the lake. It was so bad that the boat was about to sink. They were in great danger.

24The disciples went and woke Jesus up. They said, “Master! Master! We’re going to drown!”

He got up and ordered the wind and the huge waves to stop. The storm quieted down. It was completely calm.

25“Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples.

They were amazed and full of fear. They asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the waves, and they obey him.”

Jesus Heals a Man Controlled by Demons

26Jesus and his disciples sailed to the area of the Gerasenes across the lake from Galilee. 27When Jesus stepped on shore, he was met by a man from the town. The man was controlled by demons. For a long time he had not worn clothes or lived in a house. He lived in the tombs.

28When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell at his feet. He shouted at the top of his voice, “Jesus, Son of the Most High God, what do you want with me? I beg you, don’t hurt me!”

29This was because Jesus had commanded the evil spirit to come out of the man. Many times the spirit had taken hold of him. His hands and feet were chained, and he was kept under guard. But he had broken his chains. And then the demon had forced him to go out into lonely places in the countryside.

30Jesus asked him, “What is your name?”

“Legion,” he replied, because many demons had gone into him. 31And they begged Jesus again and again not to order them to go into the Abyss.

32A large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside. The demons begged Jesus to let them go into the pigs. And he allowed it.

33When the demons came out of the man, they went into the pigs. Then the herd rushed down the steep bank. They ran into the lake and drowned.

34Those who were tending the pigs saw what had happened. They ran off and reported it in the town and countryside. 35The people went out to see what had happened.

Then they came to Jesus. They found the man who was now free of the demons. He was sitting at Jesus’ feet. He was dressed and thinking clearly. All this made the people afraid.

36Those who had seen it told the others how the man who had been controlled by demons was now healed. 37Then all the people who lived in the area of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them. They were filled with fear. So he got into the boat and left.

38The man who was now free of the demons begged to go with him. But Jesus sent him away. He said to him, 39“Return home and tell how much God has done for you.”

So the man went away. He told people all over town how much Jesus had done for him.

A Dying Girl and a Suffering Woman

40When Jesus returned, a crowd welcomed him. They were all expecting him.

41Then a man named Jairus came. He was a synagogue ruler. He fell at Jesus’ feet. He begged Jesus to come to his house. 42His only daughter was dying. She was about 12 years old.

As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him.

43A woman was there who had a sickness that made her bleed. Her sickness had lasted for 12 years. No one could heal her. 44She came up behind Jesus and touched the edge of his clothes. Right away her bleeding stopped.

45“Who touched me?” Jesus asked.

They all said they didn’t do it. Then Peter said, “Master, the people are crowding and pushing against you.”

46But Jesus said, “Someone touched me. I know that power has gone out from me.”

47The woman realized that people would notice her. Shaking with fear, she came and fell at his feet. In front of everyone, she told why she had touched him. She also told how she had been healed in an instant.

48Then he said to her, “Dear woman, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.”

49While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus. Jairus was the synagogue ruler. “Your daughter is dead,” the messenger said. “Don’t bother the teacher anymore.”

50Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid. Just believe. She will be healed.”

51When he arrived at the house of Jairus, he did not let everyone go in with him. He took only Peter, John and James, and the child’s father and mother.

52During this time, all the people were crying and sobbing loudly over the child. “Stop crying!” Jesus said. “She is not dead. She is sleeping.”

53They laughed at him. They knew she was dead.

54But he took her by the hand and said, “My child, get up!”

55Her spirit returned, and right away she stood up. Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat. 56Her parents were amazed. But Jesus ordered them not to tell anyone what had happened.