According to
Matthew
Chapter 1
1 This is the sacred book of the genealogy of Jesus "The Christ" the Son of david, the Son of abraham.
2 Abraham was the father of isaac, isaac was the father of jacob, jacob was the father of judah, and his brothers. 3 Judah was the father of perez and zerah born of tamar, perez was the father of hezron, hezron was the father of ram. 4 Ram was the father of amminadab, amminadab was the father nahshon, nahson was the father of salmon. 5 Salmon was the father of boaz, born of rahab, boaz was the father of obed, born of ruth, obed was the father of jesse. 6 Jesse was the father of david, the king. David was the father of solomon, born from the wife of uriah. 7 Solomon was the father of rehoboam, rehoboam was the father of abijah, abijah was the father of asa. 8 Asa was the father of jehoshaphat, jehoshaphat was the father of jehoram, jehoram was the father of uzziah. 9 Uzziah was the father of jotham, jotham was the father of ahaz, ahaz was the father of hezekiah. 10 Hezekiah was the father of manasseh, manasseh was the father of amon, amon was the father of josiah. 11 Josiah was the father of jeconiah, and his brothers, about the time they were carried away into babylon.
12 After they were taken captive into babylon, jeconiah fathered sheatiel, sheatiel was the father of zerubbabel. 13 Zerubbabel was the father of abihud, abihud was the father of eliakim, eliakim was the father of azor. 14 Azor was the father of zadok, zadok was the father of akim, akim was the father of elihud. 15 Elihud was the father of eleazar, eleazar was the father of matthan, matthan was the father of jacob. 16 Jacob was the father of joseph, the husband of mary, by whom was born Jesus who is called the Christ.
17 So all of the generations from abraham to david are fourteen generations, and from david unto the carrying away into babylon are fourteen generations, and from their captivity in babylon unto the Christ are fourteen generations.
18 Now the life of Jesus Christ was thus: there was a betrothal of His mother mary to joseph, but before the ceremony, they discovered she was with Child, conceived by the Holy Spirit. 19 Now joseph was a man of righteousness and did not desire to bring her public disgrace, so he planned to put her away privately. 20 But as he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying "joseph, you son of david, do not fear to take mary as your wife for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21* She will bring forth a Son and you shall name Him Jesus: for He will lead the people from their sins. 22 This all took place, in order to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord, through the prophets, saying 23 "Behold, a virgin will be with child and give birth to a Son, and they will call Him by the name immanuel, which is interpreted as "God with us"" 24 Joseph now awakening from the dream, did as he was commanded by the angel of the Lord and took the woman as his own. 25 But he was unwilling to know her until after she had given birth to the child: and called Him by the name Jesus.
Chapter 2
1 Now before Jesus was born in bethlehem of judea in the days of herod the king, behold, prophets from the east arrived in jerusalem. 2 Asking "where is she who will bring forth the King of the jews? for we saw His star in the east and we bring offerings for Him" 3 But hearing of this, king herod was troubled and all jerusalem with him. 4 So he assembled the high priests and the scholars of the people, inquiring of them as to where the Christ would be born. 5 So they said to him "in bethlehem of judea: for it is written by the prophets.
6 "And you bethlehem in judea are by no means the least among the princes of judah: out of you shall come a Leader, who will shepherd My people, all of Israel"
7 Then herod privately called the prophets, to inquire the exact time that they noticed the star. 8 Afterward, he sent them towards bethlehem, saying "go, search out the Childs exact location and after you have found him present your offerings, then bring word to me so that I also, may come and present Him offerings" 9 After they heard the king they departed and behold, the star of whom they had seen in the east, led the way before them, until it came and stood above the Child. 10 Now upon seeing the stars adoration, they rejoiced greatly, loudly, and deeply. 11 And they went into the house and saw the Child with His mother and fell down in reverence before Him. Then opening what was stored, they presented Him offerings of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 12 Afterward, they were warned by God in a dream not to return to herod, so by a different road the prophets departed into their own country.
13 After they withdrew, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to joseph, saying "rise up, take the Child and His mother and flee into egypt, and stay there until I tell you: for herod will seek the Child to destroy Him"
14 So he rose up, taking the Child and His mother while it was still night and departed into egypt. 15* And they stayed there until the conclusion of herods order: to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord, through the prophet, saying "from out of egypt I have called My Son"
16 When herod perceived that he had been disobeyed by the prophets, he was greatly enraged, and commanded the annihilation of all male children that were in bethlehem and in all of its boarders from two years old and younger, according to the time which he had learned from the prophets. 17 At that time what was spoken by jeremiah, the prophet was fulfilled, saying
18 "An outcry was heard in rama, lamentations, the mourning of many, and weeping, rachel weeping for the children there and refusing to be comforted because they are no more"
19* Afterward, death surrounded herod and his followers. And behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in egypt. 20 Saying "take the Child with His mother and travel into the land of israel: for those who sought the Childs life are dead" 21 So he rose up, took the Child and His sacred mother and went into the land of Israel. 22* But after hearing that archelaus reigned in judea in the stead of his father Herod, there he became afraid and turned back. And afterward, he received a revelation in a dream, so they withdrew into the region of galilee. 23 And they came and settled in a city named nazareth: in order to fulfill what was spoken by the prophets who said, "He will be called a nazarene"
Chapter 3
1 Now in those days came john the baptist, preaching in the wilderness of judea. 2 Saying "repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand"
3 For this is the prophecy spoken by isaiah the prophet, saying "A voice crying out in the wilderness, prepare the way of the Lord, make His paths straight"
4 As for him johns clothing was made from the hairs of a camel, with a girdle of animal skin around his waist: and his food was locusts and wild animals. 5 At that time people came to see him from jerusalem and all of judea, and from every region surrounding the jordan. 6 To be baptized by him in the jordan river and confess their sins unto him.
7 Afterward, seeing many of the pharisees and sadducees had come to a baptism, he said "you brood of vipers who forewarned you to flee from the coming wrath on earth" 8 Because of this produce fruit consistent with repentance. 9 And do not think to say within yourselves "Father we have those of abraham to speak for us" the fact is, God is capable of using these stones to raise the children unto abraham" 10 Even now the axe draws near the root of the tree: therefore, every tree that does not bring forth good fruit is cut down and cast into the fire.
11 For truly, i baptize you with water into repentance, but after me comes One mightier than i, of whose sandals i am unworthy to bear. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and sacrificial fires. 12 Whose winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly cleanse His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the storehouses, but the chaff will be burned in the everlasting fire.
13 At that time Jesus came from the city of galilee to the jordan river to see john, to be baptized by him. 14 But he refused Him, saying "it is i who need to be baptized by You, yet You have come to me?" 15 In response to this Jesus said to him "permit it at once, for this is the way proper for us, to fulfill every righteousness" then, he yielded to Him 16* After he baptized Him, right away, Jesus rose from the water and behold, the heavens were opened and they saw the Holy Spirit descending like a dove, surrounding Him in light 17 And suddenly a Voice from the heavens said "This is My beloved Son, in whom I Am well pleased"
Chapter 4
1 Then Jesus was led powerfully by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And to fast forty days, and forty nights. Afterward, He was famished. 3 And the tempter came, saying "if you are the Son of God, command that these stones transform into bread" 4* But He answered and said "it is written, man shall not live on bread alone, but upon every word spoken through the testimony of God"
5 Then He was taken by the devil to the holy city, and together, there they stood above the pinnacle of the temple.
6 And he said to Him "if you are the Son of God, throw yourself down: for it is written, that He will command His angels concerning you, and in their hands they will carry you up, never will your feet strike against the stones"
7 Jesus said to him "again it is written, do not test the Lord your God"
8 Again, the devil took Him into the very high mountains and showed Him all the kingdoms of the earth, and the glory of them. 9 and he said to Him "all these things i will give to You, if you fall, and worship me" 10 Then Jesus said to him "begone satan! for it is written, worship the Lord your God and serve Him only" 11 Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.
12 Now hearing that john was in prison, He departed into galilee. 13 And left behind nazareth, coming into capernaum, beside the sea, within the boundaries of zebulun and naphtali. 14 In order to fulfill the words of Isaiah, the prophet, saying
15 "In the land of zebulun and the land of naphtali, the way through the sea, the people rested along the coast, settling across the river jordan, galilee of the gentiles in the region of judea.
16 The people who walk in spiritual darkness will see a great light, those dwelling in the land of shadow and death, Light Himself has dawned"
17 From then on Jesus began to minister and say "repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand"
18 Now walking beside the sea He saw two brothers, simon who is called peter, and andrew his brother casting nets into the sea, for they were fishermen. 19 So He said to them "come, follow Me and I will teach you to become fishers of men" 20 And immediately they forsook their nets and followed Him. 21 Now going from there, He saw another two brothers, james the son of zebedee, and john his brother in a boat with zebedee, their father, tending their nets and He called them. 22 And immediately the brothers left the boat and their father and followed Him.
23 Afterward, Jesus led them all throughout galilee preaching in the synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing all kinds of sickness and every kind of infirmity among the people.
24 Then, word of Him spread throughout all of syria: and they brought Him many who were sick, who had all kinds of disease and those who had various ailments and afflictions, the tormented, the demon-possessed, the moonstruck and the lame and He healed them. 25 Then great multitudes began following Him from galilee and decapolis, and jerusalem, and judea and beyond the jordan river.
Chapter 5
1 Looking upon the multitudes, He went up on the mountain: and settled himself, His disciples followed. 2 And He opened His mouth, and preached, saying.
3* Blessed are the lowly in spirit: for they belong in the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn: for they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the humble: for they shall inherit the land.
6 Blessed are those who drink and thirst for righteousness: for they will be satisfied.
7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall receive mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they will be called the children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Blessed are you, when they insult you, and persecute you, saying all kinds of evil things against you falsely, because of Me. 12 Rejoice, and be glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for in this same way they persecuted the prophets who came before you.
13* You are the salt of the earth: but if the salt loses its saltiness, what man is able to restore its salt? unto the point, it is no longer good, aside from being cast out and trampled by mankind. 14* You will become the light of the world1 a city standing atop a mountain cannot be hidden.
1. The original Greek word is "Kosmos" can also be translated as Universe or Existence
15. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bowl, instead they place it on a lampstand and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In this way let your light shine in the presence of others, so that upon learning of your good works, they in fact, glorify your Father who is in heaven.
17 Do not believe that I have come to end1 the law, or the prophets: I have not come to end1 but to fulfill.
1. Can also be translated as "Destroy"
18 For truly I tell you, until after the heavens and the earth have passed away, not the smallest letter, not even a brushstroke shall pass away from the law, until everything has been accomplished. 19* Therefore, anyone who removes even one of the least of these commandments, and teaches humanity accordingly, will be called "little thing" before the kingdom of heaven.
20 I say this to you, because unless within you abounds righteousness greater than the scribes and the pharisees2 you will never enter into the kingdom of heaven.
2. Pharisee defined as "any corrupt religious teacher"
21 You have heard it was said in times ancient "you shall not murder" and anyone who does "is to be put to death" and shall be subjected to divine judgment. 22* But I say to you, that anyone who is provoked to violence by their brother shall be liable to divine judgment, and whoever says to his brother "you worthless rag1" shall be subjected before the council and anyone who remains in sinfulness will be in danger of the fires of hell.
1. This is an ancient Greek saying involving hatred of another person I.E. the opposite of loving your brother.
23 Therefore, if you are going to present an offering and there at the altar remember that your brother has something against you. 24 Leave your offering there, in front of the altar and first, be reconciled with your brother and then come and present your offering. 25* Be agreeable with your adversaries readily, up to the point of accompanying them in the way, or else your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the officer, and you are thrown into prison. 26 Truly I tell you, that you will not leave that place until after paying the utmost cost.
27 You have heard that it was said "thou shalt not commit adultery" 28 But I say to you that whoever looks upon a woman lustfully has already committed adultery within their own heart. 29 And if something causes your right eye to sin, pluck it out, and cast it away, it is better for one of your members to be destroyed, rather than have your whole body thrown into hell. 30 And if something causes your right hand to sin, cut it off, and cast it away, it is better for one of your members to be destroyed, rather than have your whole body thrown into hell.
31 It has been said, that after sending away your wife, you are to give her a certificate of divorce. 32* But I say to you, that anyone who divorces their spouse, except on account of sexual immorality, makes themself into an adulterer: and whoever marries a divorced person commits adultery.
33 Again, you have heard that it was said by those in times ancient "do not swear falsely" but render to the Lord all of your vows. 34 But I say to you, do not swear at all, neither upon the heavens: for that is the throne of God. 35 Nor upon the earth, for it is the resting place for His feet, nor upon jerusalem, for it is the city of the great king. 36 Neither shall you swear upon your own head, because you cannot cause a single hair to turn white or black. 37 But let your words be, yes, yes, no, no: anything more than this is wickedness.
38 You have heard that it was said "an eye for an eye and tooth for tooth" 39* But I say to you, do not match wits with evil, instead if someone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them also, the other. 40 And to the one who wishes to sue you and take your shirt, also leave them your cloak. 41 And whoever charges you to walk a mile with them, instead walk two. 42 He who asks you to give and he who wishes to borrow from you, do not turn away.
43 You have heard that it was said, you shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. 44 But I tell you, love those who hate you and pray on behalf of those who persecute you. 45 So that you might become the children of our Father in heaven: for He causes the sun to rise upon the evil and the good and sends rain upon both. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward will you have? do not even commoners do the same? 47 And if we welcome only our brethen, what greater things have we done? nothing at all, for even the gentiles do this. 48 Therefore, you are to be perfect as your heavenly Father exists in perfection.
Chapter 6
1 But we must be careful not to practice our righteousness towards mankind, to be seen by them: truly anyone who does will have no reward from our Father who is in heaven.
2 Because of this when you give charity, do not sound a trumpet before you, like the hypocrites do in their synagogues and in the streets, in order to be honored by mankind, very truly I tell you, they have their reward in full. 3 But when you practice charity, do not let your left hand know the works of your right. 4* So that we give charity in the way of the hidden: so that our Father who sees what is hidden afterward, may reward you.
5* And when you pray, do not pray like the hypocrites for they are devoted to the people in their synagogues and the people in the street corners, praying to be seen by mankind, truly I tell you, they have their reward. 6 But when you pray, go into your room and after shutting the door pray to your Father who is hidden, and your Father who sees what is hidden afterward, may reward you.
7 Knowing this pray, but do not ramble on like the foreigners do: thinking that because of their many words they will be heard. 8 Therefore, be nothing like them: for your Father knows the things you need of before you ask Him.
9 Therefore, in a manner similar to this you are to pray: our Father in Heaven, hallowed be your name.
10 Let your kingdom come, your will be done upon the earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us the bread necessary for this day.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we have forgiven our debtors.
13 And do not let us fall into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 14* For if you are forgiving towards mankind and their trespasses against you, your heavenly Father will also be forgiving towards you. 15 But if you are not forgiving towards mankind, nor will your Father be forgiving towards you.
16 And when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, appearing downcast: for they disfigure their visage, in order to appear to fast before man, truly I tell you they have their reward. 17 But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face. 18 So that you do not appear to be fasting to man, but to your Father who is hidden, and the Father who sees the hidden afterward, may reward you.
19 Do not store up for yourselves treasure upon the earth, where moths and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Instead, store up treasure in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroy, and where thieves cannot break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there also is your heart.
22 The lamp of the body is the eye: if your one eye is single, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your one eye is evil, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is the darkness, how vast that darkness is.
24 No one can serve two masters: for you will hate one, and love the other, holding in devotion to one yet despising the other. You cannot serve both God and mammon1
1. Theoretically defined as "the son of the devil" or "a spiritual manifestation of the worship of money"
25 Because of this I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or even the body, what you will wear, no, indeed life consists of greater things than food, the body and clothing. 26 Look at the birds of the sky: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into storehouses yet, your heavenly Father provides for them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 But which of you can by worrying add a single hour to your life? 28 And why worry about what you will wear? look upon the flowers of the field, how they grow, they do not toil nor do they spin. 29 But I tell you, that even solomon in all his splendor was not dressed as one of these. 30 Now, if the crops of the fields which are here today, and tomorrow cast into the oven, shall he not clothe you in greater, o'you of little faith. 31 Therefore, do not worry, saying what will we eat, or what will we drink, or what will we wear? 32 For all these things the gentiles seek after, but God your Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all things will be added to you.
34 Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, rather let tomorrow worry about itself, for sufficient in a day are its troubles.
Chapter 7
1* Do not be judgmental, lest you be judged. 2 For in the way you judge others, you will be judged: and in the way you measure others, it will be measured unto you. 3 And why are you looking for a speck in your brothers eye, while there is a plank in your own eye you won't consider. 4 And why say to your brother "brother cast the speck out of your eye" while there is a plank in your own eye. 5 You hypocrites, first cast out the plank in your own eye and then you shall see clearly enough to cast the speck from your brother's eye.
6* Do not give something sacred to the dogs, nor give one of your pearls in the presence of the pigs, lest they trample them under their feet, and convert, tearing you to pieces.
7 Ask, and it shall be given to you, seek, and you shall find, knock, and the world shall open to you. 8 For all who ask receive, and those who seek, find, and to the one who knocks the world will open. 9 Who is there among man, if asked by their son, for bread will hand him a stone? 10* Rather, if asked for a fish, do not give a serpent. 11 Therefore, if you who are evil, remember to give good gifts to your children, how much greater will your father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask.
12* All things, to the degree that should be done unto you by others, in like manner, also do you unto them for this sums up the law and the prophets.
13 Enter in through the narrow gate: for broad and wide is the road that leads into the destruction and many people will enter into that place, on account of themselves. 14 But narrow is the gate and difficult is the way that leads into life, and there are few who find it.
15 Stay away from lying prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are rapacious wolves. 16* By their fruits you will recognize them, men cannot gather grapes from the thorns or figs from thistles. 17 Thus, good trees bring forth good fruit, but evil trees bring forth evil fruit. 18* No good tree brings forth evil fruit, nor does an evil tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Because of this, every tree that does not bring forth good fruit is cut down and cast into the fire. 20 Therefore, by their fruit you will recognize them.
21 Not everyone who prays to Me "Lord, Lord" will enter into the kingdom of heaven, only those who do the will of My Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me on that day "Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name? and in your name cast out many demons? and in your name perform many miracles?" 23* At that time I will say to the multitudes of the earth "I never knew you: depart from Me you who practice lawlessness"
24 Therefore, whoever hears these teachings of Mine and puts them into practice, becomes like a wise man who built his house, there, upon the rock. 25 Afterward, the rain descended, and the floods came, and the storms of life fell upon the house, yet it did not fall, for its foundation was rooted within the rock. 26 But whoever hears these teachings of mine and does not put them into practice, becomes like a foolish man who built his house, here, upon the sand. 27* Afterward, the rain descended, and the floods came, and struck against the house and it fell and its fall was grave.
28 And it came to pass, after Jesus had finished His teaching, that the multitudes were astonished by His doctrine. 29 Because He taught them as one having authority and not as one of their scribes.
Chapter 8
1 After He had come down from the mountain, a great multitude followed Him. 2 Then suddenly! a leper came near and fell down in reverence before Him, saying "Lord if you will it, you are able to cleanse me" 3 So He stretched out His hand and touched him saying "I Am willing, be clean" and he was cleansed of the leprosy. 4* Then Jesus said to him "see that you tell no one, but go show yourself to a priest and present the sacrifices which Moses commanded as a testimony to them"
5 After entering into capernaum there a centurion approached Him, asking Him urgently. 6 And saying: "o'Lord a child servant of mine is lying sick in my house in terrible pain from palsy" 7 So He replied "escort Me and I will heal Him" 8 But in response the centurion said "Lord, i am unworthy of having You step under my roof, but speak the word and my servant will be healed. 9 For i also am a man of appointed authority, commanding soldiers under me and i say go, do this and they go, and to another come and they come, and to my servants: this is your task and they do it" 10 Upon hearing this Jesus marveled and He said to His followers "truly I say to you, not in all of Israel is such great faith found. 11 I tell you that afterward, a great many from the east and west will enter in and sit down beside abraham and isaac and jacob in the kingdom of heaven. 12* But the children of this kingdom will be cast outside into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth" 13 Then Jesus said to the centurion "go, as you believed it will be done for you and within the hour your servant will be healed" The centurion returned to his house and there, in that same hour, they found the Child healed.
14 Afterward, Jesus went to peter's house and saw his mother-in-law lying there, sick with a high fever. 15* So He touched her hand and the fever left her, then she arose from her bed. 16 Once evening had arrived they brought Him many who were demon-possessed and He drove the spirits out by verbal command and healed all those who were injured. 17 In order to fulfill that which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying "He took away our sicknesses and drives out disease"
18 Now Jesus saw the great multitudes all around Him and gave orders to depart to the other side. 19 At that time a scribe came to Him and said "teacher, I will follow wherever your going" 20 And Jesus said to him "foxes have dens and the birds of the sky dwell in nests, but the Son of man has no place to lay His head" 21 Yet another of the disciples said to Him "Lord allow me first, to go and bury my father" 22 But He said to him "follow Me and let those who are dead bury those who, themselves are dead"
23 Then He stepped into the boat and His disciples followed Him. 24 And behold! there arose a great tempest over the sea, to such an extent that the boat was being covered by the waves, but He was asleep. 25 And so they came awakening Him and said "Lord, save us from death!" 26 So He said to them "why show so little faith?" then He got up and rebuked the winds and the waves and there came an abundant peace. 27 Afterward, the men were astonished and said "what kind of man is this? that the winds and the waves obey Him"
28 It came to pass after they had crossed into the country of gadarenes, that two demon-possessed men came out of a sepulture, confronting them, both were exceedingly fierce, to such an extent that no one could travel by that road because of them. 29 Now suddenly, one of them screamed out "What is there between us and you Son of God, have You come to destroy us before the set time?" 30 (Now nearby there was a herd of pigs with many herdsmen) 31* Jesus stepped forward, and the demons began to beg Him, saying "if you're going to cast us out, send us into the herd of pigs" 32 So He said to them "go out of them!" and they went out into the pigs and suddenly the whole herd rushed down a steep bank into the lake and drowned in the waters. 33 Then the herdsmen fled and went into the city reporting everything, even what had happened to the demon-possessed men. 34 And behold! everyone in the city went out to meet Jesus. After they found Him, they instructed that He depart from their borders.
Chapter 9
1 Then He stepped onto a boat, crossed over, and journeyed into His home city.
2 And behold, others helped carry a paralytic to Him as he lay on his mat. When Jesus saw his faith He said to the paralytic "Son, be of good cheer, your sins are forgiven" 3 But behold, some of the scribes said among themselves "that's blaspheme" 4 Now, Jesus knew what they were thinking and said "why reflect evil into your hearts? 5 For which is easier to say, your sins are forgiven, or to say get up and walk. 6 But so you know the Son of Man has the power on the earth to forgive sins" then He said to the paralytic "get up! take your mat and go to your house" 7 Then he got up and went to his house. 8 After seeing this, the crowd marveled and praised God who gave such great authority to mankind.
9 And Jesus, passing by saw a man sitting at a tax collectors booth, named Matthew, and He said to him "follow Me" so he stood up and followed Him.
10* Now it came to pass, as Jesus sat at the table in the house, behold, many farmers and sinners came and ate together with Jesus and His disciples. 11 After seeing this, the pharisees said to one of His disciples "why does your teacher eat with the farmers and sinners?" 12 Upon hearing this He said "It is not the healthy who have need of the Healer, but the sick. 13* Now journey out to learn what this means "I desire mercy and not thysia1" for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners"
1. Thysia - The act of inflicting suffering/pain on others/self in Gods or a false gods name
14 Then unto Him came the disciples of john, saying "why are we and the pharisees fasting, but your disciples fast not?" 15 So Jesus said to them "can the sons of the Bridegroom mourn, while He is with them? the day is coming when the Bridegroom will be handed over and then they will fast.
16 But no one sews into old clothing an unprepared piece of cloth, for it will cause separation, because when the garment is filled, then the separation occurring will worsen. 17 Nor do they put new wine into old wineskins, for if you do afterward, your wineskin will be torn apart and the wine will flow out and the wineskin will be destroyed, instead, put new wine into new wineskins and both will be preserved"
18 There as He was speaking these things, suddenly, a ruler came and bowed down in reverence before Him, saying "my daughter is now dead, but come and rest your hand upon her, so that she may live on" 19 So Jesus rose up and followed him with His disciples.
20 And suddenly, a woman with a bleeding issue of twelve years, approached from behind and touched the hem of His garment. 21 For she thought to herself "if I touch His garment then, I will be healed" 22 So He turned and looked at her saying "take heart daughter, your faith has healed you" and the woman was healed at that very moment.
23 Afterward, Jesus entered into the dwelling of the ruler and saw the people of the palace, and a crowd that was greatly distressed. 24* He said to them "leave nothing, for the little girl is not dead, but asleep" and they laughed at Him, because visibly, she was dead. 25 Soon after the crowd had been shown out, He took her hand and the little girl, rose up. 26 Afterward, His fame spread all throughout the entire land.
27 Now as Jesus was leaving the town, two blind men followed, shouting and yelling at Him "Son of david have mercy on us!" 28 Then He went into the house and the two blind men came to Him: so Jesus said to them "do you believe I Am able to do this for you?" and they said "yes Lord" 29 Then He touched their eyes and said "in accordance with your faith, it shall be done for you" 30 And their eyes were opened. Then Jesus sternly warned them, saying "see to it that nobody knows of this" 31 But they went out spreading news of Him throughout all the land.
32 As they were leaving, suddenly, they brought Him a mute man who was demonically possessed. 33 After the demon had been cast out, astonishingly, the mute man spoke the same as anyone: and the multitudes marveled, saying "never has something like this happened in all of Israel" 34* But the pharisees said "those who command the demons are the leaders of the demons"
35* Then Jesus went throughout all the cities and every village, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom and healing all kinds of disease and every sickness among the people, who now fully followed after Him.
36 Afterward, He saw the multitudes and felt compassion concerning them, because they were troubled and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd. 37* Then He said to His disciples "My crop is plentiful, but the harvesters are few 38 Therefore, pray that the Lord of the harvest leads the workers into His harvest"
Chapter 10
1 Afterward, He called the twelve disciples and gave them power over unclean spirits, so that they could cast them out, and to heal all kinds of disease and every infirmity.
2 Now these are the names of the twelve apostles: first, simon, who is called peter and andrew, his brother and james the son of zebedee, and his brother john. 3 Philip and bartholomew, thomas and matthew the tax collector, james the son of alphaeus and thaddaeus 4 Simon the zealot, and judas iscariot (the one who betrayed Him)
5* These are the twelve Jesus sent out, after instructing them carefully, saying "Do not go after the ways of the gentiles, and into the gray of samaria do not enter. 6 On the other hand, go instead unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And as you preach, say to them "the kingdom of heaven is at hand" 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons, freely you have received, so freely give. 9 Do not bring with you gold or silver, nor money in your sashes. 10 No bag on the journey, nor two shirts, nor two pairs of sandals, not even a staff: for the worker is worth his meals. 11 When you enter into a city or village, seek in it a worthy person and abide there until you would depart. 12* And when you enter a house, greet them with a holy kiss, saying "may His peace be upon this house" 13 And if the house is worthy, let your peace be upon it: but if it is unworthy, then let your peace return to you. 14* And whoever does not welcome you or observe your teachings, go out of that house or community, then shake the dust off your feet. 15* Truly I tell you, that it will be more tolerable for the land of sodom and the land of gomorrah on the day of judgment, than for that city.
16 Be on guard, I Am sending you out like sheep in the midst of wolves: therefore, become wise as serpents and as pure as doves. 17 But beware of mankind: for they will deliver you over to the councils and in their synagogues, they will scourge you. 18 And you will be brought before rulers and even kings on account of Me, as a testimony against them and the gentiles. 19 But when they hand you over, do not worry about what to say: for at that time what to say will be given to you. 20 For what you speak will not be of you, but of the Spirit of your Father who is speaking through you.
21 Yes, brother will betray brother unto death and father their child: and the children will rise in rebellion against their parents, putting them to death. 22 And you shall know all kinds of hatred for the sake of My Name: but the one who perseveres to the end shall be saved.
23 But when they persecute you in one community, flee into another: for truly I tell you, will not finish going throughout the cities of Israel, before the Son of Man shall come.
24 A disciple is not above their Teacher, nor is a servant above their Lord. 25 It is enough that a disciple becomes like his Teacher and the servant like his Lord, but if the master of the house is called beelzebub, how much worse are those of his household.
26 However do not fear them: for there is nothing concealed, He will not reveal, nothing hidden He will not make known. 27 What He tells you in the dark, discuss in the light and what is whispered in your ear, preach on the rooftops. 28 And do not fear those who can destroy the body, but do not possess the power to destroy the soul, but rather fear He, who has the power to destroy both the body and the soul in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? yet, not one of them falls upon the earth apart from your Father. 30 But even the hairs of your heads are numbered by Him. 31 Therefore do not fear, for you are much more valuable than many sparrows.
32* And thus all, whoever covenants1 with Me among mankind, I also will covenant1 with them in the presence of My Father who is in heaven
1. in Greek the word means "to exist in oneness of mind"
33 But whoever refuses Me among mankind, I also will refuse them in the presence of My Father who is in heaven.
34 Do not think that I Am come to bring peace on the earth: I have not come to bring peace, but a sword1
1. Makhaira, a single-edged short sword used to fight
35 For I Am come to cleave a man against his father, daughter against her mother, and sister-in-law against mother-in-law. 36 And a man's enemies shall be those who belong to his house.
37 Anyone who loves father or mother more than Me is unworthy of Me, and anyone who loves son or daughter more than Me is unworthy of Me. 38 And whoever does not take up their cross, and follow after Me, is unworthy of Me. 39 Anyone who finds their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for My sake will find it.
40 Anyone who welcomes you, welcomes Me, and whoever welcomes Me, welcomes He who sent Me. 41 Those who welcome a prophet in the name of a prophet, receive a prophet's reward, and anyone who welcomes the righteous, in the name of the righteous, harbor a righteous reward. 42 And anyone who gives one of these little ones a cup of cold water, merely in the name of a disciple, truly I tell you, they will not lose their reward.
Chapter 11
1 Now it came to pass after He had finished, Jesus arranged for His twelve disciples to depart from there, to teach and preach in other cities.
2 Now john heard about what had happened while imprisoned, the works of the Christ, so he sent out his disciples. 3 Who asked Him "are you the one who comes, or do we look for another?" 4 So Jesus answered them saying "go back, bringing word to john what you see and hear. 5 The blind receive sight, and the lame walk, lepers are declared clean, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised and the gospel is preached to the poor. 6 Indeed, blessed are those who do not stumble on account of Me"
7 Now as they were leaving Jesus began speaking to the multitudes concerning john "what was it you went out into the wilderness to see? a reed swayed by the wind? 8 What then, a man dressed in fancy clothes?, those who wear expensive things dwell in the palaces of kings. 9 What was it you went out to see? one of the prophets? yes, I tell you and more than a prophet.
10 For this is one, who it is written about "behold, I send My angels, just out of your sight, who prepare your way ahead of you"
11 Truly I tell you, none have risen among those born of women greater than john the baptist, but he who is the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12* And before the days of john the baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven suffers the violent and the violent covet it. 13 For all the prophets and the law prior to john prophesied. 14 And if willing to receive it, he is elijah, who is certain to come. 15 Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.
16 But to whom shall I compare this generation? for it is likened to little children sitting in the marketplace of the world, calling out to those around them. 17 Saying "we played the flute for you, yet you would not dance, we sang a dirge, yet you did not mourn" 18* For John was not consumed by drunkenness, yet they say "He is possessed by a demon" 19 The Son of man came eating and drinking and they say "Behold a gluttonous man and a drunkard, beloved by farmers and sinners, yet Wisdom is vindicated by Her works"
20 Then He began to rebuke the cities in which the great miracles had taken place, because they did not repent. 21 Woe to you chorazin! woe to you bethsaida! for if the miracles had taken place in tyre and sidon, long ago they would have put on sackcloth and sat down in the ashes of repentance. 22 But I tell you, it will be more tolerable in tyre and sidon on the day of judgment than for you. 23 And you capernaum, will you be exalted into the heavens? no, you will be thrown down into hades, for if in sodom these miracles had taken place, which have been done in you, it would have remained to this day. 24 But I tell you, it will be more tolerable in the land of sodom on the day of judgment than for you.
25 Surrounded by people, He moved a short distance from where He was speaking, then Jesus said "I give you all the praise, Lord of the heavens and of the earth, for you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, yet revealed them to little children" 26 Yes, Father for this is the way pleasing to you. 27 All things have been entrusted to Me by My Father, indeed, no one understands the Son, if not by the Father, nor does anyone understand the Father, if not by the Son, only those the Son chooses to reveal them to.
28 Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke within you and be taught that I Am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. 30* For My yoke is good, and My burden, to be light.
Chapter 12
1 After some time had passed, Jesus went out on the sabbath day into the grainfields, and some of His disciples were hungry, and began to pick the heads of grain and eat. 2 But when the Pharisees saw this, they said to Him "look! Your disciples are doing something that is not lawful to do on the sabbath" 3 So He said to them "Have you not read what david and his companions did when pressed? 4 How they entered into the house of God and ate the bread of the presence, which was not lawful for him to eat, nor for his companions, but only for priests. 5* And have you not read in the law, that on the sabbath the priests within the sanctuary profane the sabbath, yet are unashamed. 6 But I tell you, that something greater than the temple is here. 7 But if you understood what this means "I desire mercy and not thysia1" you would not condemn the innocent.
1. Thysia - The act of inflicting suffering/pain on others/self in Gods or a false gods name
8 Because the Son of man is the Lord of the sabbath"
9 Afterward, He departed from there, going into their synagogue. 10 And there was a man with a withered hand and they asked Him, making an inquisition "is it lawful to heal on the sabbath" hoping that they might accuse Him. 11* And so He said to them "who is there among you men, when one of your flock, if they fall down on the sabbath, going up the mountainside, will not go embrace them, lifting them up?" 12 So how much greater is a man than a sheep? therefore, it is proper to produce good on the sabbath. 13 Then He said to the man "stretch out your hand" so the man did and they gazed intently as his hand was restored to the likeness of the other. 14 After the pharisees had left, they held a council plotting against Him, as to how they might destroy Him.
15 But when Jesus realized it, immediately, He left and many followed Him and He healed them all. 16 And He warned them not to make His works known. 17 In order to fulfill what was spoken through Isaiah, the prophet, saying
18 "Jacob My servant, the helper of Israel, My Chosen One awaits within My Spirit, I will place My Spirit upon Him, and He will proclaim divine judgment unto the nations.
19* Whose voice will set captives free, He will not waver, so the foreigners will not obey His words.
20 A bruised reed, He will not crush, and a smoldering wick, He will not snuff out, He will lead the outsiders into the truth and His judgment will shine forth.
21 And He will establish divine judgment upon the earth, even after His crucifixion and in His name the nations will trust"
22 At that time they brought to Him a man who was possessed by a demonic spirit, blind and mute, and He healed him, to the point that the mute man spoke and regained his sight. 23 And all of the multitudes were amazed, and were talking about Him, saying "could this be the Son of david?" 24* But when the pharisees heard this, they said "this man could not cast out demons unless He was beelzebub, the prince of demons"
25 But knowing their thoughts, He said to them "every kingdom divided against itself, is made desolate and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand. 26 So if the devil casts out the devil, he is divided against himself, how then will his kingdom stand? 27 If I by beelzebub cast out the demons, by who do your sons cast them out? because of this, they will be your judges. 28 But if I by the Spirit of God cast out the demons of the ages, then He has come before you or rather, the sovereign power of God. 29 Or else how could someone enter into the house of the mighty and pillage His vessels, without first tying up the mighty one? and then pillaging His house.
30* All who are not with Me, are against Me and those who do not glean within Me, dissolve. 31* Because of this, I tell you all forms of sin and blaspheme, leave to mankind1, however, blaspheming the Spirit of God will not be forgiven
1. Cannot accurately be translated as "all sin will/should be forgiven"
1. The penalty for blasphemy can be found in Exodus 20:7
1. Theoretically the verse can also be translated as "all sin can be forgiven" I.E. God has the power to forgive all sin.
1. As Christians we try our best to leave sin behind us.
32 And whoever speaks against the Son of Man, it may be forgiven them: but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven, not in this age nor in the ages to come.
33 Either grow a tree good and its fruit will be good, or grow a tree evil and its fruit will be evil: for by the fruit of a tree you will come recognize both. 34 You brood of vipers, how can good speak evil? for from that which fills the heart the mouth speaks. 35 The good man from his good treasures produces good things: and the evil man from his evil treasures produces evil. 36 But I say to you, that every careless word which was spoken by mankind, shall be returned in respect to their accounts on the day of judgment. 37* For by words you will testify, and by words you will be condemned"
38 In response, some of scribes and pharisees said to Him "teacher we want to see a sign from you" 39 But He answered and said to them "an evil and adulterous lineage1 seeks a sign, yet no sign will be given to you, except the sign of the prophet jonah.
1. Can also be translated as "Generation" I.E. your generations.
40 For just as jonah was in the belly of a whale three days and three nights, in this same way, the Son of Man will be in the heart of the earth three days and three nights. 41 The men of ninevah will rise up at the judgment against your lineage and condemn them down, because they repented at the preaching of jonah yet, behold! something greater than jonah has come. 42 The queen of the south will rise at the judgment against your lineage and condemn them down, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of solomon yet, behold! something greater than solomon has come.
43 Now when an impure spirit departs from a person, it travels to a place without water, seeking to be refreshed, yet finds none 44 At that time saying "I will return into my house from which I departed" and finds it unoccupied, swept and set in order. 45 Afterward, it seeks out and brings along with it seven other spirits more evil than itself and they enter in and dwell there: and what becomes of the latter state of the person is worse than the former, this is the way it will be with this wicked lineage"
46 As he still spoke to the multitudes, behold, His other mother and His brothers were outside. 47 So a disciple of His said to Him "Your mother and brothers are outside, wishing to speak to you" 48 To explain this He said "whoever practices My teachings, they are My mothers, and some of you are My brothers" 49 Then He stretched out His hands over His many disciples, saying "look! here are My mothers and My brothers 50 For anyone who produces the will of My Father who is in heaven, they are My brothers and sisters and mothers"
Chapter 13
1 Later that same day, Jesus departed from the house and sat down beside the sea. 2 And a great multitude gathered to Him, to such an extent that, He stepped into a boat and stood upon it while the multitudes on the seashore were amazed.
3 And He spoke many things to them in parables, saying "Behold, the sower came forth to sow the seed. 4 And from His handbasket, He spread seeds until, some fell beside the way, and things came and devoured them. 5 But others fell upon the rock bed, which had no deep soil and right away sprung up because not one had deep soil. 6 Then the sun arose, burning them up and because they had no root they wasted away. 7 And others fell among the thorns, and the thorns sprung up suffocating them. 8 Now on the other hand, some fell upon the good soil and yielded a harvest some thirty, sixty, even a hundredfold. 9 Whoever has ears let them hear, and listen.
10 Afterward, His disciples came to Him and asked "why do you speak to them in parables?" 11 Now answering He said "Because you have been given the hidden knowledge of the kingdom of heaven, which others have not been given" 12* For whoever holds to their covenant well, indeed will overflow in abundance, but whoever does not hold to, even what they have will be taken away from them. 13 Because of this I speak in parables to those of the earth so that, though seeing they do not perceive and though hearing they do not understand nor gain insight.
14 And to fulfill the prophecy of isaiah who said "Go and tell the people there "you will hear and not understand, nor gain insight, and you will see, yet not perceive.
15 For the hearts of these people has waxed gross, and they have become hard of hearing, and their eyes have been blinded, or else they could see with their eyes and hear with their hearts, then be converted and I would heal them"
16 But blessed are you, whose eyes can see and whose ears can hear. 17 Truly I tell you, that many of the prophets and the righteous desired to see what you see, yet did not perceive and hear what you hear and yet, did not understand.
18 Now listen to the meaning of the parable. 19 Those who hear the word of the kingdom and do not understand, in comes the evil one and steals what was sown in their hearts, these are the ones beside the way out of the handbasket. 20 Now those sown upon the rock bed are those who hear the word and immediately with joy receive it. 21 But having no root within themselves, indeed, they benefit for a time, but then comes tribulation or persecution on account of the word and they become offended by it. 22 Now those sown among the thorns are those who cannot understand the word, instead continuing in the pursuits of this world, and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word and they become unfruitful. 23 But those sown upon the good soil are those who hear the word and truly synthesize with it, indeed, producing a crop yielding a hundredfold, another sixty, others thirty.
24 He entrusted them with another parable, saying "the kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. 25 But as the man slept, his enemy came and sowed tares within the midst of the wheat, and passed on. 26 Then after they had flowered and produced grain, then the tares also became evident. 27 When his servants discovered this they rushed to his house, and said to him "lord not all of the seed, around and about, your field is good, so where have the tares come from?" 28* So he replied "the men of my enemy have done this" so his servants asked him "would you like us to go and pull them out?" 29 But he said "no, don't pull out the tares because you could also, uproot my wheat. 30 Let them grow together for a time until the harvest, then at the time of the harvest, i will ask the harvesters to gather the tares, and bind them into bales, next throwing them into the furnace, but join the wheat together into my sheaves"
31 He gave them another parable, saying "the kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man sowed in his field. 32* Which is truly the least of all the seeds, but after the ears have grown it is the greatest of the garden herbs and it becomes a tree, so that any of the heavenly things can come, and rest under its branches.
33* He spoke another parable to them, saying "the kingdom of heaven is like a leavener,1 that a woman picked up and mixed within three cups of wheat meal, until it was fully leavened"
1. A leavening agent is a substance for example salt, used to make not all but a few baking recipes expand and strengthen
34 All of these things Jesus spoke in parables unto the multitudes, and without a parable He would not speak to them at all.
35 In order to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying "I will open My mouth in parables, I will utter things hidden from the foundation of the world"
36 Then He dismissed the multitudes, and Jesus went into a house: and His disciples came to Him, saying "can you explain the parable of the tares of the field to us" 37 And in response He said "the one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. 38 Now the field is the world, and the good seeds are the children of the kingdom, but the tares are the children of the evil one. 39 And the enemies, who sowed them belong to the devil, now the harvest is the completion of a set time, and the harvesters are the angels. 40 Now just like the tares are gathered up and burnt in the fire, in this same way, it will be at the end of the set time. 41 The Son of man will send out His angels, and gather to His side from out of His kingdom each great thing that causes offense, and those who practice lawlessness. 42 Then they will be cast into the flames of the furnace, in that place, there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43 At that time, the righteous will shine forth like the sun into the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears let them hear and listen.
44 Now the kingdom of heaven is likened to treasures hidden, in the midst of a field, which a man found and concealed, to his delight, then he went and sold all of his possessions and purchased that same field.
45 Again the kingdom of heaven is likened rather to a man? a merchant, who went out seeking beautiful pearls. 46* And upon finding one of his treasured pearls, he went and sold all his possessions and purchased it.
47 Once more, the kingdom of heaven is likened rather to a net, let down into the sea, and from out of the whole gathered every kind. 48 After it was full, they brought it up onto the seashore and sat down, and lifted up the good, setting them in order, but the evil they threw out. 49 This is the way it will be at the completion of the set times, the angels will march forth and sever the wicked out of the midst of the righteous. 50 And will cast them into the furnace of flames, in that place, there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
51 "Have you understood all of these things?" They replied "yes" 52 Then He said to them "because of this, every scholar of the law who follows, also, in the knowledge of the kingdom of heaven becomes like a man, the head of a household, who brings forth from His treasury, things both ancient and new"
53 And it came to pass, after Jesus had finished these teachings, they left that place. 54* Afterward, journeying into the city of antipatris,1 He began to teach in their synagogue, to the point that a great number of them were confused, saying "where is the source of your wisdom and all this authority?
1. Antipatris a city near Bethlehem and Nazareth.
55 Isn't this the carpenter's Son and isn't His mother's name mary, and among his brotherhood, james and judas and simon and james. 56 And His brethren are they not all from around us? so where are all of these miracles?" 57 And they were offended by Him, so He said to them "a Prophet is not without honor except, in His own land and in His own house" 58 And He did not work great miracles there on account of their lack of belief.
Chapter 14
1 During that time herod the tetrarch heard about Jesus. 2 And he said to his servants "This is john the baptist risen from the dead and this is why these powers are working through Him"
3 For those under herod had bound and arrested john and put him in prison, because herod had stolen the wife of philip, a member of his religious sect. 4 Because john had said to him "it is not lawful for you to be involved with her" 5 And would have had him executed, but he feared the people, because john was like a prophet to them.
6 But when herod's birthday was held, there his stepdaughter by herodias danced before herod, and she pleased him. 7 So by oath he professed to give her whatever she asked. 8 And after being commanded by her mother, she said "bring here to me, the head of john the baptist on a platter" 9 Although it distressed the king, on account of the others and the oath, he commanded to have it brought to them. 10 So he sent to have john beheaded in prison. 11 And there, they brought his head upon a platter and gave it to the damsel and she brought it to her mother. 12 Afterward, His disciples came and took his body and buried him, then they went and reported this to Jesus.
13 When Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there by boat, alone, to a solitary place. But after the multitudes heard, they followed Him walking from their cities. 14 When He had gone ashore, He saw the great multitudes and felt compassion for them, and healed those who were sick.
15 When evening had come, His disciples approached Him, saying "this place is desolate and the hour is already late, therefore, send the multitudes away, so that they can go into marketplaces of the region and buy food" 16 But Jesus said to them "they have no need to leave, give them something to eat" 17 But they replied "we have nothing here, except five loaves of bread and two fish" 18 So He said "bring them to Me as they are" 19 And He instructed the multitudes to sit down on the field and receive the bread and the fish. Then He looked up into the heavens and gave a blessing, and He broke the bread, and gave the bread to His disciples, and the disciples gave it to the multitudes. 20 And all of them ate, indeed to the full, then they gathered up what remained from the broken pieces, twelve full baskets. 21 And the number of those who ate was five thousand men, not including women and children.
22 Afterward, He greatly urged His disciples to get into a boat and go ahead of Him to the other side, until after He dismissed the multitudes. 23 Then He went up into the mountains by Himself to pray. When evening had come, there He was alone. 24 Now, as soon as the boat was in the middle of the sea, it was tested by the waves, for indeed, the hostile winds opposed it. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus came to them, walking upon the waters of the sea. 26* When He came into sight and they realized He was walking upon the waters, they were aghast, saying "Is it Him or a ghost?" and some cried out in fear of Him. 27 But surprisingly at once, he spoke to them, saying "take courage, It is I, do not be afraid"
28 Then peter answered Him, saying "If it is you Lord, instruct me to come to you upon the waters" 29 And He said "come" so peter stepped out away from the boat, walking towards Him upon the waters and came to Jesus. 30 But when he noticed the wind, he became fearful and began to sink a little into the sea and cried out, saying "Lord save me" 31 So immediately Jesus stretched out His hand, pulling him up and said "you of little faith, why did you doubt?" 32 After they had risen into the boat, the winds diminished. 33 And those in boat bowed before Him and they said "truly you are the Son of God"
34 And they crossed over, and went into the land of gennesaret. 35 And after recognizing Him, the people in the region reported the events to all the neighboring districts and brought to Him many who were sick. 36 And they invited a number of them to His side so that, they could simply touch the hem of His garment and, as many as touched were saved.
Chapter 15
1 At that time Jesus was approached by the scribes and the pharisees from Jerusalem, who asked. 2 "Why do your disciples tread upon the traditions of our elders by not washing their hands before they eat a meal" 3 So He answered them, saying "why do you continue to step outside the commandments of God, through your traditions? 4 For God commanded the people, saying "honor your father and your mother, and whoever speaks evil against their father or mother is to be put to death" 5* But all of you say "anyone who does not say to their father or mother "these things are for my offerings, so out of my possessions i have nothing to help you with" 6 No! you set a price on My father and weigh the law of God as worthless through your traditions. 7 Hypocrites! isaiah did well to prophesy about you, saying
8 "Say to the people who come to Me, honoring Me with their lips, but in their hearts are far off, depart from Me.
9* Indeed, they worship Me in vain, they shrewdly teach the beliefs of mankind and train them"
10 Then He called the attention of the multitudes, and said to them "listen and understand. 11 It is not what enters the mouth that makes a man common, rather what is carried out of the mouth, these things make a man common"
12 Then His disciples approached Him, saying "do you know that the pharisees heard your teachings and they were offended?" 13 So He replied saying "every plant which was not planted by My heavenly Father, is torn out by its roots. 14 Stay away from them! they are blinded leaders for the blinded and when blind men lead both, will fall into the pit"
15 But to this peter said "explain this parable to us" 16 So He said "are you still so unsure? 17 Do you not understand? that whatever goes into the mouth travels down into the innermost being, then is separated into the void, and cast out. 18 it is rather, what comes out of the mouth, proceeding from the heart, that is what makes a man common. 19 For out of the heart comes evil motives, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony and blasphemy. 20 These are what defile a man, but eating with unwashed hands does not defile a man"
21 Afterward, Jesus left withdrawing from there into the regions of tyre and sidon. 22* And behold! a woman from one of the regions of canaan came screaming at them "show me mercy Lord, Son of david, my daughter is possessed by an evil spirit" 23 But He did not answer her, even a word. Then His disciples came to Him, urging Him, saying "send her away because she is screaming at us" 24 So He replied, saying "I have not been sent except, to the lost sheep of the house of Israel" 25 But then she came bowing down before Him, saying "Lord help me" 26 And in answer to this He said "it is not good to take the bread of the children and give it to an offensive person" 27* But she said "yes Lord, yet even the offensive eat off the crumbs that fall from the table of the Lord" 28 And in response to this Jesus said to her "woman, great is your faith, it is done for you just as you willed" and her daughter who was far off, was healed in that very same moment.
29 Afterward, Jesus departed from there, going along the sea of galilee and went up into the mountains, where they stayed. 30 And great multitudes of people came to Him, bringing with them the lame, the blind, the crippled and the mute and one after another they set these things before His feet, and He healed them. 31 To such an extent, that the multitudes marveled as they kept seeing the mute, now speak and the maimed made whole and the blind, see, and they praised the God of israel.
32 But Jesus called His disciples to Him, and said to them "I have compassion on these people because they have already been here with Me three days and have not eaten and I do not want to send them away hungry, lest they faint along the way" 33 Then His disciples said to Him "where in the wilderness are we supposed to get enough food to feed such a great number?" 34 So Jesus said to them "how many loaves do you have?" and they said "seven loaves and a few small fish" 35 After instructing the multitudes to rest upon the ground. 36 He picked up the seven loaves and the fish, then gave thanks, and He broke, and gave them to His disciples, and the disciples to the multitudes. 37 And they all ate and ate to the full. Afterward, they picked up the leftovers and united them into seven complete baskets. 38 And among those who ate, were four thousand men, not including the women and children.
39 Then He dismissed the multitudes and stepped into a boat, going into the region of magadan.
Chapter 16
1* Then they were approached by the pharisees and sadducees, and they rebuked Him hatefully, saying "show us the signs from heaven, make us some food!" 2* Now considering this He said to them "an envious and adulterous lineage looks for a sign, yet no sign will be given to them, except the sign of jonah" then He departed from there and went on His way.
3 After the disciples had crossed to the other side, they realized they had forgotten to bring the bread with them. 4 Now perceiving this Jesus said "beware and stay away from the leaven of the pharisees and the sadducees" 5 And they discussed it among themselves, saying "this is because we did not bring the bread" 6 Then Jesus perceived this and said "you of little faith, why do you reason among yourselves, because you did not take the bread? 7 do you still not understand? remember the five loaves which fed five thousand, and the many baskets you took up? 8 Or the seven loaves for four thousand, and how many baskets remained? 9 How do you not understand that I spoke to you not concerning bread, but to beware the leaven prepared by the pharisees and the sadducees. 10 Then they understood what He said did not mean to "keep away from the leaven prepared by the pharisess and the sadducees" rather, the teachings of the pharisees and the sadducees.
11 Now having come into the district of caesarea philippi, He asked His disciples, saying "who do men say the Son of man is?" 12 So they said "some say john the baptist, and others elijah, or jeremiah, or else one of the prophets" 13 He said to them "but who do you say I Am?" 14 And in response to this simon, named peter said "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God" 15 And to this Jesus said "blessed are you simon barjona: for flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, rather My father who is in heaven. 16 And I say to you, since you are now peter, from this rock, My stonecutters will source the church and the gates of hades will not overcome it. 17 I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven: and whatever you bind on the earth will be bound in heaven: and whatever you loose upon the earth will be loosed from heaven" 18 Then He instructed His disciples to tell no one that He is, Jesus, the Christ.
19 From that time, Jesus, the anointed Messiah, began to teach His disciples that He must go into jerusalem and suffer many things by the elders and high priests and scribes, after, to be killed, and be raised on the third sunrise. 20* But peter took Him aside, and began to rebuke Him, saying "choose Yourself Lord, no!, You reconsider these things" 21 So He turned His back on peter, and said "get behind Me satan, you are a stumbling block to Me, for you have in mind not the ways of God, but the ways of mankind"
22 Then Jesus said to His disciples "If anyone wants to enter in after Me, they must deny themselves, take up their cross and follow Me. 23 For whoever, if they desire to save their life will lose it: but whoever loses their life for My sake will find it. 24 For what will it profit a man, who gains the whole world, but forfeits his soul or what could man give to purchase your soul? 25 For the Son of man will come in the glory of His Father accompanied by His angels, and at that time pouring out upon each man according to their deeds, amen.
26 Truly I tell you, that there are some of you standing here, who will not taste death, until they have seen the Son of man coming in the glory of the kingdom of His Father.
Chapter 17
1 Then after six days Jesus took peter and james and john His brother, and led them into the heights of a mountain, by a pathway of His own. 2 And He was transfigured before them: and His face began to shine like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the daylight. 3 Then suddenly, moses and elijah appeared and spoke with Him 4 And in response to this peter said to Jesus "Lord, it is glorious we are here: i will build three tabernacles, one for You, one for moses, and one for elijah. 5 While He was still speaking, behold! a cloud of light drew near to them and suddenly, out of the cloud came a voice, saying "this is My beloved Son, in who I Am well pleased, listen to Him" 6 Now hearing this, the disciples fell to their faces in great fear. 7 Then Jesus came and touched one of them, and said "rise up and do not fear" 8 But upon raising their eyes, they perceived no one, except Jesus.
9 Afterward as they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus told them "say nothing about what you have seen, not until the Son of man has risen from the dead" 10 Then His disciples asked Him "why then do the scribes say elijah must first come?" 11 And in response He said to them "Indeed elijah comes and will restore all things" 12 But I say to you, that elijah already has come, but they did not recognize him, instead, they did everything they listed and in this same way, the Son of man is to suffer by them" 13 At that time the disciples believed that He was speaking about john the baptist.
14 Afterward, the multitudes came and a man approached Him, falling upon his knees and saying 15 "have mercy on me: for my son is demonically possessed and moonstruck, for again and again, he throws himself into a fire or often into water. 16 And i brought him to your disciples, but they were unable to heal him" 17* Now considering this, He said "O! My unbelieving companions indeed, continuing in distractions, how long shall I remain with you? how long shall I be patient with you? bring him here to Me" 18 Then Jesus rebuked the demon, and it departed from him: and he was healed at that very moment.
19 Then the disciples came to Jesus asking in private "Why were we not able to cast it out?" 20* So he said to them "because you have a little doubt in your faith: for I tell you, if you have faith like a mustard seed, you can tell a mountain to move from here to there and nothing will be impossible to you" 21 While they were in galilee Jesus said to them "the Son of Man will be betrayed into the hands of men. 22 And they will kill Him, but on the third sunrise He will be raised" and His disciples were greatly grieved.
23 After they had come into capernaum, those who collected a two drachma tax came to peter and said "will your teacher pay the two drachma tax?" and he said "yes" 24 Now entering into the dwelling, Jesus in anticipation of this said "what do you think simon, from whom do the kings of the earth take their traditions and tolls? from their own children, or from those belonging to foreigners?" 25 So he replied "from those belonging to foreigners" so Jesus said "then indeed, the children are exempt. 26 But so that we do not cause them to stumble, go to the sea and cast a hook, then take the first fish that rises up and open the mouth, there you will find the drachma, take them and give them as mine and yours"
Chapter 18
1 As the hour drew near Jesus came to the disciples and said "who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" 2 And He called a little child to Him and placed him in the center of them. 3 And He said "truly I tell you, unless you turn and become like the children you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever humbles themselves like this child, they are the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoever welcomes a child such as these in My name welcomes Me. 6* But whoever, if they cause one of these little ones to sin who have put their faith in Me, it would be more advantageous in their case to hang a donkeys millstone around their neck, and drown themselves in the depths of the sea.
7 Calamity follows the ways of the world, from the offenses, for surely the offenses must come, but calamity follows the person through whom the offenses come.
8 And if your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it away from you: it is better for you to enter into life crippled or maimed, rather than having two hands and two feet and be cast into the eternal fire. 9 And if one of your eyes causes you to sin, pluck it out, and cast it away from you: it is better for you to have one eye and enter into life, rather than having two eyes and being cast into the fires of hell.
10* Be careful not to turn your face against one of these little ones, for I tell you that their angels in heaven watch over them constantly, those in the presence of My Father who is in heaven. 11* What do you think? when a family of people has a hundred sheep, if even one of them goes astray, will they not send out the ninety-nine into the countryside to seek after the one who has gone astray?
12 And when they come to find it, truly I tell you, they rejoice over it more than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. 13 In this same way, it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven, that one of these little ones perish. 14 So if your brother commits a sin, go reprove them privately, between you and them, alas if he listens, you among all people have won your brother.
15 But whoever will not listen or in a reoccurring case, take with yourself, another so that by the testimony of two or three witnesses every word may be established. 16 But if they refuse to listen to them, then report it to the church: and if they still refuse to listen to the church, let them be like the outsiders and the heathens. 17 Truly I tell you, whatever you bind upon earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatever you loose upon the earth shall be loosed in heaven. 18* Furthermore I say to you, that if two of you greatly harmonize upon the earth about anything, alas requested by them, it will come before My father who is in heaven.
19* For where there are two of Mine sowing the wonders in My name, I Am there in their midst" 20 Then peter came to Him and said "Lord, how many times, if my brother remains sinning against me, before i should send him away, as many as, seven times?"
21* Jesus said to him "I say not up to seven times, unto the point of seventy-seven times. 22 In the midst of this is likened rather to the sovereignty of heaven, a man? a king, who desired to settle accounts with his servants.
23* After beginning he waited for them to settle accounts and in before him was brought, one of his many servants who owed, a numberless sum. 24 But he could not pay, so the lord commanded he be sold, as well as, his wife and children, and everything he owned as payment. 25 Then the servant fell down before him, and said "lord, be patient with me, and i will repay you all" 26 Now he was moved by compassion, so the lord of the servant sent him away and set aside his debt. 27 Then the servant departed, yet upon finding his fellow servant, who owed him a hundred denarii: he grabbed him by the throat and said "repay all that you owe" 28 Then his fellow servant fell down saying "be patient with me, and i will repay you all" 29 But he was not willing, so he went and put him in prison, until he could pay what he owed. 30 Now his fellow servants witnessed these events and were exceedingly sorrowful for him, so they went and told their lord everything that happened. 31 At that time, his lord summoned him in anger, and said to him "you evil servant, i put aside your entire debt, because you begged me. 32 Should you not also have been merciful to your fellow servant, as i was merciful upon you? 33 Afterward, his lord was moved by anger, handed him to his torturers, until he repaid everything he owed. 34 And so in like manner, My heavenly father will do to you, unless each of you is forgiving towards their brothers within your hearts"
Chapter 19
1 Now it came to pass when Jesus had finished these teachings He departed from galilee. After arriving He went into the region of judea, across the river jordan. 2 And a great multitude followed Him and there, He healed them.
3 Then the pharisees came testing Him and asking "is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason?" 4 So in response, He said "have you not read, that in the beginning He created them male and female" 5 Then He said "for this reason a man shall leave his father and mother, and unite with his wife: and the two shall become one flesh. 6 Therefore, they are no longer two, but one flesh, therefore, what God has joined together let no man separate" 7 So they said to Him "why then did moses give command to write a certificate of divorce, and send her away?" 8 So Jesus said "moses because of the hardness of your hearts allowed you to divorce your wife, but it was not this way in the beginning 9 But I say to you, that whoever if they divorce their wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another commits adultery"
10* Then the disciples said "If this is the case of a man with a women, than it is better to refrain from marriage" 11 But then he said to them "All cannot make room for this teaching, only those to whom it is given" 12 For this reason there are eunuchs who were born that way from their mothers womb: and there are eunuchs who were castrated by the hands of mankind: and there are eunuchs who castrated themselves in the name of the kingdom of heaven. He who is able to receive it, let him receive it.
13 Then little children were led before Him, so that He could lay hands upon them and pray but, His disciples forbid it. 14 So Jesus said to them "let the children come and do not hinder them, bring them to Me: for such as these belong in the kingdom of heaven" 15 And He laid hands on them, then left that place.
16 And behold, another came to Him, who asked "wise teacher, what good things must i do to inherit eternal life?" 17 And so He said to him "why question, referring to Me as wise? Wisdom exists only within One, but, if you wish to enter life, keep the commandments" 18 he asked "which ones?" so Jesus said "thou shalt not murder, thou shalt not commit adultery, thou shall not steal, thou shalt not bear false testimony. 19 Honor your father and your mother, love your neighbor as yourself" 20 Then the young man said to Him "i have done all these things from my youth, is there anything i lack?" 21* So Jesus replied "if you wish to mature, go, sell your possessions and give them to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven, then come and follow Me" 22 After hearing this, the young man withdrew in a sorrowful state, for he had many possessions.
23 So Jesus said to His disciples "truly I tell you, that it is difficult for the rich to enter into the kingdom of heaven. 24 Yet again i say to you, that it is easier for a camel to squeeze through the eye of a needle, than for the rich to enter the kingdom of God" 25 Hearing this greatly confused the disciples, so they asked "Who then can be saved?" 26 Now, looking upon their faces, Jesus said to them "this is impossible through man, but with God all things are possible"
27 Then responding to this peter said to Him "look, we have left everything to follow you, what then, will become of us?" 28 And so Jesus answered him "truly I tell you, that you who obeyed Me into the rebirth, after the Son of man has come to sit upon His judgment throne, all of you also, will sit down upon twelve thrones judging the twelve nations of israel. 29* And whoever leaves brother, or sister, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, house or city for the sake of My cause, shall receive a hundred times as much and inherit eternal life. 30 But many who identify as the lowest of all men, will be first and the first of all men the last"
Chapter 20
1 For the kingdom of heaven is rather like a man, the lord of a house, who went out in the early morning to hire workers for his vineyard. 2 After an agreement of a denarii a day with the workers, he sent them out into his vineyard. 3 Afterward, he went out around the third hour, and saw others idling away1 in the marketplace unemployed.
1. The word in ancient Greek for "idling away" can be translated "as idling away into the possession of another"
4 So he said to them "come and lead the way into my vineyard, and whatever if the case is justified, that i will pay you" 5 So they went. And again he went out around the sixth, and the ninth hour, to invite others in this same manner. 6 Also around the eleventh hour he went out, discovering others standing still, so he said to them "why are you standing there idling away1 all day?"
1. The word in ancient Greek for "idling away" can be translated "as idling away into the possession of another"
7 They replied "because no one has hired us" so he said to them "then all of you, go, also leading into the vineyard"
8 When evening had come, the lord of the vineyard said to his steward, call the fieldworkers and pay their wages, only begin from the last unto the first. 9 And they came around the eleventh hour, each receiving a denarii. 10 But those who came first thought, they should receive more, yet they also each received a denarii. 11 And those who collected, murmured against the lord of the house. 12 And said "the last of us worked a single hour, yet you have made them equal to us, who bore the burden of the day and the heat of the sun. 13 And so in response, he said plainly "i do you no wrong, did you not agree upon a denarii? 14 Take your possessions, and go your way: but i will offer in the same manner to the last of all men, as unto you. 15 Or it is not lawful for me to do my will with what is mine? rather, are you seeing evil because I am good? 16 In this way the lowest of you will become the first and the first, the last.
17 Afterward, Jesus set out towards jerusalem. Along the way He took the twelve aside privately and said. 18 Behold, it is necessary for us to go into jerusalem, and the Son of man be delivered to the high priests and the scribes and they will falsely condemn Him to death. 19 And they will hand Him over to the gentiles to be mocked and scourged, then crucified, but on the third sunrise, He will be raised.
20 At that time the mother of zebedee came to Him with her sons, bowing down before Him, and requested something from Him. 21 And He said "what is it you want?" so she replied "command that my two sons sit, one at Your right hand and the other at Your left, in Your kingdom" 22* In response to this Jesus said "you do not know what you ask, do you have the strength to drink the cup that I have in mind to drink?" they said "we do" 23 He replied "My people drink from My cup, but to decide who sits at My right hand, or left, is not Mine to give, rather this is prepared by My Father"
24 When the other ten heard of this, they were greatly displeased on account of their two brothers. 25 So Jesus called them to Him privately, and said "be aware that the masters of the gentiles lord it over them, and the highest of them crush them down. 26 This cannot be the case among you, instead, whoever if intending to be great among you, will become like My servant. 27 And whoever, if intending to be first among you, will become like My slave. 28* Just as the Son of man came not to be served, rather to serve and give His life as the cost of release for many"
29 Afterward, going from jericho, great multitudes followed Him. 30 And behold, two men who had lost their vision, sat idly by themselves, off beside the way, when they heard Jesus passing by, they said "show us mercy Son of david!" 31 But the multitudes rebuked them, so that they would both be silent yet, they cried out all the more and said "Lord! show us Your mercy, Son of david!" 32 So Jesus stopped, and called them saying "what is it that you want Me to do?" 33 So they said "Lord, that our eyes may perceive You" 34 Now caring for them, Jesus touched their eyes and both of them received vision, and immediately followed in His footsteps.