THE NEW TESTAMENT: AN UNDERSTANDABLE VERSION Table of Contents
MATTHEW
CHAPTER ONE1) [This is] a record of the family background of Jesus Christ, the descendant of David, who was the descendant of Abraham. [Note: The following is an incomplete lineage through Jesus= step-father Joseph].
2) Abraham had a son named Isaac; Isaac had a son named Jacob and Jacob=s sons were Judah and his [eleven] brothers. 3) Judah had sons named Perez and Zarah, [whose mother was] Tamar. Perez had a son named Hezron; Hezron had a son named Aram; 4) Aram had a son named Amminadab; Amminadab had a son named Nahshon; Nahshon had a son named Salmon; 5) Salmon had a son named Boaz [whose mother was] Rahab; Boaz had a son named Obed [whose mother was] Ruth; Obed had a son named Jesse, 6) and Jesse had a son named David [who became] king [of Israel].
David had a son named Solomon [whose mother was Bathsheba, the wife] of Uriah; 7) Solomon had a son named Rehoboam; Rehoboam had a son named Abijah; Abijah had a son named Asa; 8) Asa had a son named Jehoshaphat; Jehoshaphat had a son named Joram; Joram had a son named Uzziah; 9) Uzziah had a descendant named Jotham; Jotham had a son named Ahaz; Ahaz had a son named Hezekiah; 10) Hezekiah had a son named Manasseh; Manasseh had a son named Amon; Amon had a son named Josiah; 11) Josiah had descendants named Jechoniah and his brothers, [near] the time when [the people of Judah] were taken away to Babylon.
12) After the people [of Judah] were taken away to Babylon, Jeconiah had a son named Shealtiel; Shealtiel had a son named Zerubbabel; 13) Zerubbabel had a son named Abiud; Abiud had a son named Eliakim; Eliakim had a son named Azor; 14) Azor had a son named Sadoc; Sadoc had a son named Achim; Achim had a son named Eliud; 15) Eliud had a son named Eleazar; Eleazar had a son named Matthan; Matthan had a son named Jacob; 16) Jacob had a son named Joseph, who was the husband of Mary. Mary [alone] was the mother of Jesus, who is called the Christ.
17) So, all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen; from [the time of] King David to the people [of Judah] being taken away to Babylon were [approximately] fourteen generations and from [Judah] being taken away to Babylon to [the time of] Christ were [approximately] fourteen generations.
18) Now the birth of Christ happened this way: When His mother Mary was engaged to marry Joseph, [but] before they had a sexual relationship, she was discovered to be pregnant by [the power of] the Holy Spirit. 19) Now Joseph, her husband [to be], being a man who did what was right, and not wanting to make a public spectacle out of her, decided to break off their engagement privately.
20) But while he was thinking about the matter, [suddenly] an angel from the Lord appeared to him in a dream [i.e., a supernatural revelation given during sleep], saying, AJoseph, you descendant of David, do not be afraid to take Mary to be your wife, for the baby she is carrying is by [the power of] the Holy Spirit. 21) She is going to have a son and you should name Him Jesus, for He is the One who will save His people from their sins.@
22) Now all this happened in order to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet [Isaiah 7:14], saying, 23) ALook, the virgin will become pregnant and have a son, and they will name Him Immanuel,@ which means AGod with us.@
24) Then Joseph woke up from his sleep and did what the angel of the Lord commanded him and took Mary to be his wife. 25) [But] he did not have sexual relations with her until [after] she had a son, whom he named Jesus.
CHAPTER TWO
1) Now Jesus was born in Bethlehem [a small town] in Judea during the time when Herod [the Great] was king [of Judea]. About that time some astrologer/sages from the east [i.e., Persia] came to Jerusalem, saying, 2) AWhere is the one who was born to be king of the Jews? For we saw a star [signifying his birth while we were still] in the east, and have come here to worship him.@
3) And when King Herod heard this, he and the entire city of Jerusalem were [very] upset. 4) So, he gathered all the leading priests and experts in the Law of Moses from among the people and asked them where the Christ [child] was to be born. 5) They replied to him, AIn Bethlehem of Judea, for this is what was written by the prophet [Micah 5:2], 6) >And you, Bethlehem in the country of Judah, are not among the least [towns in furnishing] rulers for Judah, for you will produce a leader who will become shepherd of my [i.e., God=s] people Israel.=@
7) Then Herod summoned the astrologer/sages and learned from them exactly when the star had appeared. 8) So, he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, AGo and find out the details about the young child, and when you have found him, come and tell me, so I can go and worship him myself.@
9) After hearing the king they left and the star, which they had seen [while still] in the east, moved on ahead of them until it stopped over [the house] where the young child was staying. [See verse 11]. 10) And when they saw the star, they were extremely happy. 11) Then they went into the house and saw the young child with His mother Mary. They fell to the ground and worshiped Him, and unpacking their treasures, they offered Him gifts of gold, incense and aromatic spices. 12) Then they were warned by God in a [supernatural] dream not to return to Herod, so they left and returned to their own country by a different route.
13) Now when they had gone an angel from the Lord appeared to Joseph in a [supernatural] dream, saying, AGet up and take the young child and His mother and hurry to Egypt. Stay there for as long as I tell you to, for Herod will be looking for the young child in order to kill Him.@
14) So he got up, took the young child and His mother at night and went to Egypt. 15) They stayed there until Herod died, so that what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet would be fulfilled, saying [Hosea 11:1], AI [i.e., God] called my Son out of Egypt.@
16) When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the astrologer/sages, he was furious and sent out [his soldiers] to kill all the baby boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity. This was done to those from two years old and under, basing [their decision] on the exact time determined from the astrologer/sages. 17) This fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying, 18) [Jer. 31:15], AA voice was heard in [the town of] Ramah [Note: This was a village near Jerusalem, where Rachel was buried], with crying and deep mourning. It was Rachel crying for her children [Note: Initially this was a reference to the Israelites who were taken to Babylonian captivity. See Jer. 29-31]. She refused to be comforted because they were dead.@
19) Then when Herod was dead, an angel from the Lord appeared in a [supernatural] dream to Joseph [while he was still] in Egypt, saying, 20) AGet up, take the young child and His mother, and go [back] to the country of Israel, for those who had tried to take the young child=s life are [now] dead.@
21) So he got up, took the young child and His mother and went [back] to the country of Israel. 22) But when he heard that Archelaus was then the king of Judea, in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go back. Then, being warned by God in a [supernatural] dream, he went on up to the region called Galilee, 23) and settled in a town called Nazareth, so that it could fulfill what was spoken by the prophets [Isa. 11:1 in the Hebrew text] that Jesus would be called a Nazarene.
CHAPTER THREE (Thirty years later)
1) In those days, John the Immerser went into the desert of Judea preaching [to Jews], saying, 2) AYou must repent [i.e., change your hearts and lives], for the kingdom of heaven will soon be here.@ 3) For this is the man who was spoken of by Isaiah the prophet, who said, [Isa. 40:3], A[It is] the voice of a man who speaks out in the desert, [urging people to] make the road for the Lord ready [for Him to travel]; to make a straight pathway for Him [to walk on].@
4) Now John dressed in clothing made of camel=s hair and he wore a leather belt around his waist; he ate grasshoppers and wild honey [i.e., for his regular diet]. 5) [People from] Jerusalem and all over Judea and the region around the Jordan River all went out [to the desert] to [hear] him, 6) and people were immersed by him in the Jordan River as they confessed their sins.
7) But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to be immersed, John said to them, AYou children of snakes, who warned you to run away from the coming wrath [of God]? 8) Demonstrate by your lives that you have [really] repented, 9) and quit thinking to yourselves, we claim Abraham as our forefather, because I tell you, God is able to make Abraham=s children out of these stones. 10) And even now the axe is ready to chop down the trees [i.e., you Jewish people]. Every tree [i.e., person] that does not produce wholesome fruit [i.e., godly, repentant lives] will be cut down and thrown into the fire [i.e., the final punishment of the wicked].
11) AI certainly am immersing you in water following [your] repentance, but the One who follows me [i.e., in my ministry], whose sandals I do not deserve to remove [as His slave], will immerse you people with the Holy Spirit and with fire [i.e., the punishment in hell. See verses 10 and 12]. 12) His winnowing shovel [Note: This was a process whereby grain was tossed into the air so that the wind could blow the husks away, leaving only good grain on the ground] is in His hand and He will completely clear off His threshing floor [by removing all of the husks]. And He will gather His wheat into the barn, but will burn up the husks with a fire that will never go out.@
13) Jesus then came from [the province of] Galilee to be immersed by John in the Jordan River. 14) But John tried to discourage Him [from being immersed], when he said, AI should be immersed by you, and you are coming to me [for immersion]?@ 15) But Jesus answered him, AAllow it [to be done], for it is proper for us to complete everything that is right [before God].@ So, John agreed to it.
16) After Jesus was immersed [by John], He came up out of the water and heaven was opened up before Him and He saw the Holy Spirit from God descending, as a dove, and landing upon Him. 17) Then a voice came out of heaven, saying, AThis is my dearly loved Son. I am very pleased with Him.@
CHAPTER FOUR
1) Then Jesus was led up to the desert by the Holy Spirit in order to be put to the test by the devil. 2) After He had fasted forty days and nights, He was [very] hungry. 3) The tempter [i.e., the devil] came and said to Him, AIf you are the Son of God, command these stones to turn into bread.@ 4) But Jesus answered, AIt is written [Deut. 8:3], >A person is not to live by [eating] bread only, but [instead] by [believing and obeying] every statement spoken by God.=@
5) Then the devil took Him to the holy city [i.e., Jerusalem] and placed Him on an [elevated] wing of the Temple, 6) and said to Him, AIf you are the Son of God jump off, for it is written [Psalm 91:11-12]: >He will put His angels in charge of you= and >They will lift you up with their hands so you do not trip over a stone.=@ 7) Jesus said to him, AIt is also written [Deut. 6:16], >You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.=@
8) The devil took Him again, [this time] to a very high mountain and showed Him all the world=s kingdoms, along with their splendor, 9) and said to Him, AI will give you all these things if you fall to the ground and worship me.@ 10) Then Jesus replied to him, AGet away from me Satan, for it is written [Deut. 6:13], >You are supposed to worship the Lord your God, and serve only Him.=@
11) Then the devil left Him and angels came and tended to His needs [i.e., food, water, etc.].
12) Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, He left [the province of Judea] and went to Galilee. 13) [After] leaving Nazareth [i.e., a major town in Galilee], He came to live in Capernaum, [a city] beside Lake Galilee, near the districts of Zebulun and Naphtali. 14) [This was] so that what Isaiah the prophet had spoken would be fulfilled, saying, 15) [Isa. 9:1-2] AThe districts of Zebulun and Naphtali, near the lake, beyond [i.e., where it enters] the Jordan in Galilee, [the territory] of the Gentiles; 16) the people who lived [there] in [spiritual] darkness saw a great light. Light shone upon these people, who lived in an area that was under the shadow of death.@
17) From that time onward Jesus began to preach, saying, AYou people [must] repent [i.e., change your hearts and lives], for the kingdom of heaven is near.@
18) While Jesus was walking beside Lake Galilee, He saw two brothers; Simon called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting their net into the lake, because they were fishermen. 19) And He said to them, ACome with me, and I will make you fishermen for people.@ 20) They immediately left their nets and went with Him.
21) [As] Jesus went from there He saw two [other] brothers, James and John, the sons of Zebedee. They were in the boat with their father Zebedee, repairing their nets. He called them, 22) and immediately they left their boat and their father and went with Him.
23) Jesus went all over Galilee teaching in the [Jewish] synagogues and preaching the good news of the [coming, see verse 17] kingdom, and healing all kinds of disease and sickness among the people. 24) The news [of what Jesus was doing] spread all over [the country of] Syria and they brought to Him all those who were sick, stricken with various diseases and pains, dominated by evil spirits, and afflicted with seizures and paralysis, and He healed them [all]. 25) Large crowds followed Him from Galilee, Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and from beyond [i.e., the east side of] the Jordan River.
CHAPTER FIVE
1) Seeing the large crowds, Jesus went up in a mountain [i.e., probably a hill near Capernaum] and when He sat down, His disciples came to Him. 2) He opened His mouth and taught them, saying,
3) AThose persons who feel a deep sense of their personal need are blessed because the kingdom of heaven belongs to them.
4) AThose persons who feel grief [over their sins] are blessed because they will receive comfort [from God when they repent].
5) AThose persons who have a humble attitude [toward themselves] are blessed because they will inherit [the best of] the earth.
6) AThose persons who have an appetite for whatever is right will be blessed because they will be satisfied.
7) AThose persons who show mercy [toward others] will be blessed because they will be shown mercy [themselves].
8) AThose persons whose hearts are pure [before God] will be blessed because they will see God.
9) AThose persons who attempt to make peace [between people] will be blessed because they will be called God=s children.
10) AThose persons who have suffered for trying to do what is right will be blessed because the kingdom of heaven belongs to them. 11) You will be blessed when people speak against you and harm you and say bad things about you that are untrue, because of [your devotion to] me. 12) Be happy and very glad, for your reward in heaven will be great. For they persecuted the prophets [who lived] before you in the same way.
13) AYou people are [like] salt on the earth. But if salt loses its flavoring ability, how will it ever get it back again? From then on it would be good for nothing except to be thrown out onto the roadway and walked on by people. [Note: This was mined salt which, when losing its Asaltiness@ due to exposure to the sun or rain, was simply disposed of by being dumped onto the roadway where people walked]. 14) You people are [like] light in the world. A city built on a hill will not go unnoticed. 15) Neither does a person light an [olive oil] lamp and place it under a bushel-sized container, but on a stand where it can illuminate everything in the house. 16) In that same way, you should allow your light [i.e., influence] to shine in front of people, so that they will see your good deeds and [be led to] honor your Father in heaven.
17) ADo not think that I came to do away with the Law of Moses or the prophets. I did not come to do away with them, but to fulfill them [i.e., their requirements and predictions]. 18) For it is true when I say, not one little letter or even a portion of a letter will be removed from the Law of Moses until everything is accomplished [that is required by them]. [When that happens, then] heaven and earth will pass away [i.e., be destroyed. See II Peter 3:12]. 19) Therefore, whoever disregards one of these least [significant] requirements [of the Law of Moses] and teaches others to [disregard them], he will be considered the least [significant person] in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever obeys them and teaches [others to obey] them, will be considered important in the kingdom of heaven. 20) For I say to you people, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven unless what you do that is right excels what the experts in the Law of Moses and the Pharisees [i.e., a strict sect of the Jewish religion] do that is right.
21) AYou have heard what was said to the people in time=s past [Exodus 20:13], >You must not murder,= and whoever does will be subject to judgment. 22) But I say to you that every person who is angry toward his brother will be subject to judgment; and whoever calls his brother >stupid idiot= is subject to [being sentenced by] the [Jewish] Council, and whoever says, >go to hell= is subject to going to the fire of hell [himself]. 23) Therefore, if you are offering your [sacrificial] gift on the Altar and [just then] you remember that your brother has a grievance against you, 24) [stop right there]; leave your gift at the Altar and [immediately] go to that brother and settle the matter first, before returning to offer your gift. 25) [In another case], come to terms with the person suing you as soon as possible, [even] on your way [to court], so he does not take you before the judge, and then the judge turn you over to the officer and you be sent to prison. 26) It is true when I say to you; you will not be released from there until you have paid the last coin. [Note: The coin mentioned here amounted to about ten minutes= worth of a farm laborer=s pay, or a little over one dollar in 1994].
27) AYou have heard what was said [Exodus 20:14], >You must not be sexually unfaithful to your mate.= 28) But I say to you, everyone who looks at a woman with an improper sexual desire for her [body], has already been sexually unfaithful to his mate in his heart. 29) And if your right eye is what ensnares you into falling away [from God], gouge it out and throw it away from you. For it would be better for you to lose a part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. [Note: This is the word AGehenna,@ and because of its Old Testament connotation of burning bodies, II Chron. 33:6, it is used figuratively here, and elsewhere, to describe the place of future, final punishment of the wicked]. 30) And if your right hand is what ensnares you into falling away [from God], cut it off and throw it away from you. For it would be better for you to lose a part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell. 31) It was also said [Deut. 24:1-3], >Whoever divorces his wife, let it be done with a [legally binding] divorce decree, which he must give her.= 32) But I say to you, every person who divorces his wife makes her become sexually unfaithful to him [i.e., since she will probably marry someone else], unless the reason for the divorce is that she had [already] become sexually unfaithful to him. And whoever marries a woman who has been divorced commits sexual sin with her [i.e., because she is still rightfully married to her first husband].
33) AAgain, you have heard what was said to people in time=s past [Lev. 19:12], >You must not go back on your oaths, but [rather] fulfill the oaths you take to the Lord.= 34) But I say to you, do not take any oath, [saying] >by heaven,= for it is God=s throne; 35) nor >by earth,= for it is the footstool for His feet; nor >by Jerusalem,= for it is the city of the great King [i.e., God]. 36) You should not take an oath, [saying] >by my head,= for you cannot make a single hair white or black. 37) But you should just say >yes= [when you mean] yes, and >no= [when you mean] no. Whatever you say beyond these [i.e., enforcing them by oaths] is of the evil one [i.e., the devil].
38) AYou have heard what was said [Exodus 21:24], >Take an eye [from someone] if he takes yours, and take a tooth [from someone] if he takes yours.= 39) But I tell you, do not offer resistance to an evil person, but whoever hits you on the right side of the face, allow him [to hit you] on the other side also. 40) And if anyone takes you to court in order to take your shirt away from you, let him have your coat also [i.e., if he insists on it]. 41) Whoever requires you to go one mile, [be willing to] go with him two miles. [Note: The Romans were permitted by law to require a Jew to carry their burden for one mile only]. 42) Give to the person who asks you [for something], and do not refuse to lend to the person who wants to borrow something from you.
43) AYou have heard what was said [Lev. 19:18], >You must love your neighbor and hate your enemy.= 44) But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45) in order to be [true] children of your Father in heaven, for He makes His sun to rise on evil [as well] as on good people. He [also] sends rain on those who live right [as well] as on those who do not live right. 46) For if you love [only] those who love you, what reward will you get for that? Do not even the publicans [Note: These were people with a bad reputation for their dishonest tax collecting activities] do that much? 47) And if you greet [cordially] your brothers only, what are you doing more than other people? Do not even the [unconverted] Gentiles do that much? 48) Therefore, you must [attempt to] be complete, just as your heavenly Father is [already] complete.
CHAPTER SIX
1) ABe careful that you do not do your good deeds in front of people for the purpose of being seen by them, for [if you do] you will not have a reward from your Father in heaven.
2) ATherefore, when you give money to help poor people, do not blow a trumpet in front of you [i.e., to call attention to it] as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and streets. They do this in order to win praise from people. It is true when I say to you; they have [already] received their reward. 3) But when you give money to help poor people, do not allow your left hand to know what your right hand is doing [i.e., do it inconspicuously] 4) so that your giving to poor people may be done secretly. Then your Father, who sees what is done secretly, will pay you back.
5) AAnd when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners [i.e., in prominent view of everyone] in order to be seen [and praised] by people. 6) But when you pray, go to a private place and after closing the door, pray to your Father who is in a secret place, and [since] He sees in secret places, He will reward you. 7) And when you pray, do not use worthless repetitions like the [unconverted] Gentiles, for they think their lengthy, repetitious wording [in prayer] is more likely to be heard [by God]. 8) So, do not be like them, for your Father [already] knows what things you need, [even] before you ask Him. 9) Therefore, you should pray this way: >Our Father in heaven, may your name be highly honored. 10) May your kingdom come [to earth]; may your will be done on earth just as it is [already being done] in heaven. 11) Give us our [needed] food for the day. 12) And forgive us of the wrongs we have done to others, since we have also forgiven the wrongs done to us. 13) And do not allow us to fall under temptation, but deliver us from [being harmed by] the evil one.= 14) For if you forgive the wrongs people have done [to you], your heavenly Father will also forgive the wrongs you have done [to Him]. 15) But if you do not forgive the wrongs people have done [to you], neither will your Father forgive the wrongs you have done [to Him].
16) AIn addition, when you fast [i.e., go without food and/or drink for religious reasons], do not be like the hypocrites with long faces; for they go around with gloomy expressions on their faces in order to advertise that they are fasting. It is true when I say to you; these people have [already] received their reward. 17) But when you fast, groom your hair and wash your face 18) so that people will not see that you are fasting, but [only] your Father who is in secret [will know about it]. For, [since] He sees [what is done] in secret, He will repay you.
19) ADo not store your valuables [here] on earth, where moths can eat them and where rust can corrode them, and where burglars can break in and steal [them]. 20) But [rather] store up your valuables in heaven [i.e., by investing your life in spiritual things], where neither moths can eat nor rust corrode, nor burglars break in and steal, 21) for wherever [you store] your valuables, that is where your heart [i.e., your real concern] will be also. 22) Your eye is [like] a lamp to your body [i.e., your life]. If your eye sees things correctly, [then] your whole body [i.e., your entire life] will be illuminated [i.e., be directed into proper conduct]. 23) But if your eye sees things wrongly, [then] your whole body [i.e., your entire life] will be full of darkness [i.e., will not be lived properly]. If therefore, the light you have is [really] darkness [i.e., if you are not seeing life properly], that darkness will be very great [i.e., you cannot possibly live properly]. 24) No person can serve two masters, for he will either hate the one and love the other, or else he will cling to the one and look down on the other. You cannot serve God and material things [at the same time].
25) ASo I tell you, do not worry about [the material things of] your life, [such as] what you will eat or what you will drink, or about what you will wear on your body. There are more important things in life than food, and more important things about your body than the clothing you wear. 26) Look at the birds in the sky; they do not plant seeds or harvest [a crop] or store [things] in barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them [adequately]. Are you not a lot more valuable than they are? 27) And which one of you can worry yourself into living a single day longer? 28) And why are you worrying about clothing? Consider how [wild] lilies grow in a field; they do not work or weave, 29) yet I tell you that even Solomon, clothed in his very finest royal robes, was never dressed [as luxuriously] as one of these flowers. 30) So, if God so [beautifully] dresses the grass in a field, which is [green] today, and [then] tomorrow [dries up and] is thrown in the oven [i.e., as fuel], will He not do even more in providing your clothing, you people with such little faith? 31) Therefore, do not worry by asking, >What are we going to eat?= Or >What are we going to drink?= Or >What are we going to wear?= 32) For these are the things that the [unconverted] Gentiles keep trying to get. But your heavenly Father [already] knows you need these things. 33) So, you should put the kingdom of God and what He says is right first [in your lives], then all these things [i.e., food, drink and clothing] will be provided for you. 34) Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have enough to be worried about in itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.@
CHAPTER SEVEN
1) ADo not pass [condemning] judgment [on other people] so that you do not receive such judgment [on yourselves]. 2) For the way you judge [other people] is the way you [yourselves] will be judged. And the standard you use [for dealing] with others is the standard that they [and God] will use on you. 3) And why do you look for the speck of sawdust in your brother=s eye but ignore the board in your own eye? 4) Or, how can you say to your brother, >Let me take that speck of sawdust out of your eye,= while there is a board in your own eye? 5) You hypocrite, take the board out of your own eye first; and then you will be able to see clearly enough to take the speck of sawdust out of your brother=s eye.
6) ADo not offer sacred things to dogs, and do not throw your pearls in front of [wild] pigs [i.e., to those who will not appreciate them], because they will probably trample on them with their feet and then turn around and attack you.
7) AAsk [God for something] and it will be given to you; look [to God for something] and you will find it; knock [on the door of opportunity] and it will be opened up to you. 8) For every person who asks will [certainly] receive; and the one who looks will [certainly] find; and to the person who knocks, the door will [certainly] be opened. 9) Or, what person among you would give his son a stone if he asked you for a piece of bread? 10) Or who would give him a snake if he asked you for a fish? 11) If then you know how to give good gifts to your children, even though you are sinful [human beings], how much more [likely] is it that your Father in heaven will give good things to those who ask Him? 12) Therefore, everything that you would like people to do to you, do [these things] to them also. For this is [what is required by] the Law of Moses and the prophets.
13) AYou should enter [God=s kingdom] by means of the narrow door, for the wide door and the broad road are the ones that lead to [spiritual and physical] destruction. And many people will enter [that wide door]. 14) But the door that is narrow and the road that is restricted lead to [spiritual] life and [only] a few people will find them.
15) ALook out for deceiving prophets, who approach you wearing sheep=s clothing, but who are [actually] starving wolves in their hearts. 16) You can recognize them by their fruit [i.e., by what their lives produce]. Do people harvest grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistle weeds? 17) In a similar way, every healthy tree produces wholesome fruit; but a diseased tree produces [only] bad fruit. 18) A healthy tree cannot produce bad fruit and neither can a diseased tree produce wholesome fruit. 19) Every tree that does not produce wholesome fruit should be chopped down and thrown into the fire. 20) Therefore, you will recognize them [i.e., prophets] by their fruit [i.e., by what their lives produce].
21) ANot every person who says to me, >Lord, Lord,= will enter the kingdom of heaven; but [only] that person who does what my Father in heaven requires. 22) Many persons will say to me on the [judgment] day, >Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy by [the authority of] your name, and drive out evil spirits and perform many powerful [supernatural] deeds by your name?= 23) And then I will declare to them, >I never acknowledged you [as my people]; go away from me, you people who have done sinful things.=
24) AEvery person therefore, who hears these words of mine and obeys them will be like the sensible person who built his house on a [foundation of] rock. 25) The [heavy] rains came down and the flood waters rose and the winds blew and beat down on that house, but it did not collapse, for it was [built] on a foundation of rock. 26) And every person who hears these words of mine but does not obey them will be like the foolish person who built his house on [a foundation of] sand. 27) And the [heavy] rains came down and the flood waters rose and the winds blew and struck against that house [until] it collapsed with a terrible crash.@
28) And so it happened when Jesus had finished [speaking] these words, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29) for he taught like a person who had authority, instead of like their experts in the Law of Moses.
CHAPTER EIGHT
1) And when He had come down from the mountain [See 5:1], large crowds followed Him. 2) Just then a person with an infectious skin disease came and worshiped Him, saying, ALord, if you want to, you can heal me.@ 3) Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man, saying, AI do want to; you are healed.@ And immediately his infectious skin disease was healed. 4) Jesus said to him, ABe sure you do not tell anyone [about your healing yet]; but [first] go and show yourself to the priest and then offer the [sacrificial] gift required by the Law of Moses [See Lev. 13:49; 14:2ff], as evidence to them [that you have been healed].@
5) And when He had arrived at Capernaum, a military officer approached Him, begging, 6) ASir, my slave-boy is at home sick in bed with a paralyzing disease and in serious pain.@ 7) Jesus said, AI will go and heal him.@ 8) But the military officer answered, ASir, I do not deserve for you to come into my house; just say the word and [I know] my slave-boy will be healed. 9) For I also am a man [who serves] under the authority [of others], and I have soldiers [who serve] under me. I can say to this one >Go,= and he goes, and to another one, >Come,= and he comes, and to my slave >Do this,= and he does it.@ 10) And when Jesus heard this, He was amazed and said to those who were following [along], AIt is true when I tell to you, I have never found [anyone with] such great faith, not [even] among the Israelites. 11) And I [also] say to you, that many people will come from the east and the west and will sit down with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. 12) But the children who [are supposed to] belong to the kingdom will be thrown out into the outer darkness where there will be crying and excruciating pain.@ 13) And Jesus said to the military officer, AGo on your way; since you have believed [in my power to heal], what you desired will be done for you.@ And the slave-boy was healed that [very] hour.
14) When Jesus had come into Peter=s house, He saw Peter=s mother-in-law lying sick with a fever. 15) He touched her hand and [immediately] her fever subsided and she got up [out of bed] and waited on Him.
16) When evening came they brought many persons who were dominated by evil spirits to Jesus and He drove out the spirits with [just] a word and healed all those who were sick. 17) This was in order to fulfill what was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying, [Isa. 53:4], A[He] Himself took [care of] our [physical] weaknesses and carried [away] our diseases.@
18) Now when Jesus saw large crowds around Him, He gave orders [i.e., to His followers] to leave for the other side [i.e., to go from the west to the east side of Lake Galilee]. 19) [While there] an expert in the Law of Moses said to Him, ATeacher, I will follow you wherever you go.@ 20) Jesus replied to him, AThe foxes have dens [in which to live] and the birds of the sky have nests [in which to roost]; but the Son of man does not have anywhere to lay His head.@ 21) Then another one of His disciples said to Him, AAllow me to go and bury my father first.@ 22) But Jesus answered him, ABecome my follower, and let the [spiritually] dead bury them@ [i.e., let a person=s relatives care for their own family members until they die].
23) And when He entered a boat, His disciples followed Him. 24) Suddenly a violent storm came up over the lake, so that [huge] waves began to overwhelm the boat. But Jesus was sleeping [through it all]. 25) His disciples came and awoke Him, shouting, ALord, save us, we are sinking!@ 26) And He called to them, AWhy are you [so] afraid? You have such little faith!@ Then He stood up and sternly commanded the wind and the waves, and they became very calm. 27) The men [on board the boat] marveled, saying, AWhat kind of a man is this, that even the wind and waves obey Him?@
28) And when He got to the other side [i.e., the east side of the lake], He was in the district of the Gadarenes. There He was met by two men dominated by evil spirits. They came from the graveyard [where they lived] and were so fierce that no one could [safely] travel that road. 29) Suddenly they shouted out, AWhat do you want with us, you Son of God? Have you come here to torture us before it is time to?@ [i.e., before our punishment is due. See II Pet. 2:4; Jude 6]. 30) Now a large herd of [wild] hogs [i.e., about 2000 of them. See Mark 5:13] was grazing some distance away from them. 31) So, the evil spirits [in one of the men. See Mark 5:1ff] begged Jesus, saying, AIf you are going to drive us out [of this man], send us away into that herd of [wild] hogs.@ 32) Jesus replied to them, AGo [ahead].@ And they came out [of the man] and entered the [wild] hogs, and suddenly the entire herd rushed down the cliff into the lake and drowned in the water [below]. 33) [Upon seeing this happen] the men who were tending the herd ran away and went into the town [i.e., of Gadara, one of ten towns making up the province of Decapolis], and told the people everything, [including] what had happened to the men dominated by evil spirits. 34) Quickly, all the people of the town came out to meet Jesus, and when they saw Him, they urged Him to leave the district [i.e., probably because of the loss of livestock].
CHAPTER NINE
1) Then Jesus entered a boat and crossed [back] over [Lake Galilee] and came to His own city [i.e., Capernaum]. 2) [Upon His arrival] they brought to Him a man afflicted with a paralytic disease, [being carried on his cot. See Mark 2:3]. When Jesus saw [the evidence of] their faith [i.e., the man=s four friends breaking open the roof and lowering him through it. See Mark 2:4-5], He said to the paralytic, ASon, cheer up, your sins are forgiven.@ 3) Seeing this, certain experts in the Law of Moses said to themselves, AThis man is speaking against God.@ 4) Knowing what they were thinking, Jesus said, AWhy are you having such evil thoughts in your minds? 5) For which is easier, to say >Your sins are forgiven,= or [to say] >Get up and walk?= 6) But in order that you may know that the Son of man has authority to forgive people=s sins on earth, (then He said to the man afflicted with paralysis), >Get up, pick up your cot and go home.=@ 7) So, the man got up and went home. 8) But when the large crowds saw [what had happened], they were filled with deep reverence and gave honor to God for giving such authority to men.
9) As Jesus moved on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the toll booth [i.e., collecting taxes]. He said to him, ABecome my follower.@ And he got up and followed Him.
10) And so it happened, as Jesus was having a meal at Matthew=s house, a number of [other] tax collectors and worldly people came to sit down with Him and His disciples. 11) And when the Pharisees saw this they said to His disciples, AWhy does your teacher eat with tax collectors and worldly people?@ 12) When Jesus heard this, He said, APeople who are healthy do not need a doctor; but [only] sick people do. 13) Go and learn what this means: >I desire mercy and not [only] sacrifice.= For I did not come to call righteous people [to be my followers] but sinners.@
14) Some of John=s disciples came to Jesus saying, AWhy is it that we and the Pharisees fast frequently [i.e., going without food and/or drink for religious reasons], but your disciples do not fast [at all]?@ 15) Jesus said to them, ACan the groomsmen act sadly while the groom is still with them? But the time will come when the groom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast. 16) No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth onto an old garment; for what was intended to cover up [the hole] actually tears away [part of] the garment [i.e., when it shrinks], causing a bigger hole. 17) Also, people do not put freshly squeezed grape juice into bottles made of previously used animal skins. If they did, the [old dried-out] animal skins would break open and the grape juice would [all] leak out, and the animal skins would become useless. But people put freshly squeezed grape juice into newly prepared animal skin bottles. That way both of them will survive.@
18) While Jesus spoke these things, a leader of the [Jewish] synagogue [named Jairus. See Mark 5:22-43] came and worshiped Him, saying, AMy daughter has just died, but if you come and place your hand on her, she will live [again].@ 19) So, Jesus got up and, along with His disciples, followed the man.
20) But just then a woman who had been bleeding for twelve years came up behind Him and touched the edge of His robe. 21) For she had said to herself, AIf I can just touch His robe, I will be healed.@ 22) When Jesus turned and saw her, He said, ATake courage, daughter, your faith has made you well.@ And the woman was healed that [very] moment.
23) When Jesus went into the leader [of the synagogue=s] house, He saw musicians [playing a funeral dirge] and the crowd carrying on [in mournful wails]. 24) He said, AStand back, for the young lady is not [permanently] dead, but [rather] is sleeping.@ And the people laughed at Him scornfully. 25) But after the crowd was sent outside, Jesus entered [her room, along with her parents and three of His disciples. See Mark 5:37-40] and took her by the hand, and the young lady rose up [from the dead]. 26) And the report of this incident spread all over the district.
27) Now as Jesus moved on from there, two blind men followed Him [i.e., probably being led by sighted persons]. They were shouting, AHave pity on us, son of David!@ 28) And when He had entered the house [i.e., probably a friend=s house there in Capernaum. See 8:20], the blind men came in [after Him]. Jesus said to them, ADo you believe that I am able to do what you are asking?@ They replied, AYes, Lord.@ 29) Then He touched their eyes and said, ALet what you expect be done for you.@ 30) And [immediately] they were able to see. Jesus then strongly urged them, saying, AMake sure that no one knows [what I have done for you].@ 31) But [instead], they went all over the district telling people about Him.
32) As they went on their way a deaf-mute, dominated by an evil spirit, was brought to Jesus. 33) When the evil spirit was driven out [by Jesus] the [former] deaf-mute began to speak, and the crowds marveled, saying, ANo one in Israel has ever seen this done before.@ 34) But the Pharisees said, AHe is driving out evil spirits by [the power of] the chief of evil spirits.@
35) Jesus traveled throughout all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the [coming] kingdom and healing all kinds of diseases and illnesses. 36) But when He saw the large crowds He felt compassion for them because they were distressed and disoriented like sheep without a shepherd. 37) Then He said to His disciples, ACertainly there is plenty to harvest but there are [too] few people to do the work. You should pray to the Lord of the harvest to send [more] workers out into the field to gather His crop.@
CHAPTER TEN
1) Jesus then called His twelve apostles [see next verse] to Him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal all kinds of diseases and illnesses.
2) Now the names of the twelve apostles were: First, Simon, also called Peter, Andrew, his brother, James and John, sons of Zebedee, 3) Philip, Bartholomew [i.e., the same as Nathaniel. See John 1:45], Thomas [i.e., the same as Didymus. See John 11:16], Matthew, the tax collector [i.e., the same as Levi. See Mark 2:14], James, the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus [i.e., the same as Judas, son of James. See Luke 6:16], 4) Simon, the Cananean [i.e., the same as the Zealot. See Luke 6:15], and Judas Iscariot, who also [besides being an apostle] was His betrayer.
5) Jesus sent these twelve apostles out and ordered them saying, ADo not go on any road leading to Gentile territory or enter any town of the Samaritans. 6) But [rather] go to the lost sheep of the people of Israel. 7) And preach as you go, saying, >The kingdom of heaven is near.= 8) Heal sick people, raise people from the dead, restore health to those with infectious skin diseases, and drive out evil spirits. You have received [blessings] freely, [now] give them out freely. 9) Do not take [any] gold, silver or copper [coinage] in your money belts, 10) or a traveling bag [for personal belongings], or a change of jackets or shoes, or [even] a walking stick [Note: By comparing this and the restriction in Matt. 10:10 with the permission given in Mark 6:8, the harmony seems to be Aif you do not already have a walking stick, do not get one@]. For the worker deserves having his food provided. 11) Then inquire around for a trustworthy family in every town or village you enter, and stay there [with them] until it is time to move on. 12) When you enter a [particular] house, greet the people warmly [Note: The usual Jewish greeting was to say APeace to you,@ See Luke 10:4]. 13) And if the people seem trustworthy, express your wish for blessings to rest upon them. But if they prove to be untrustworthy, may those blessings remain on you [instead]. 14) And whoever does not welcome you or listen to what you have to say, shake the dust off of your shoes as you leave that house or town. [Note: This was a Jewish custom showing disdain and intended to suggest unworthiness] 15) It is true when I say to you, the districts around Sodom and Gomorrah [i.e., despite their gross sins] will be shown more leniency than that town on the Day of Judgment.
16) Here is how it will be: I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore you should be as crafty [Note: The Greek word here is Asensible@] as snakes, yet as harmless [Note: The Greek word is Asincere@] as doves. 17) But, watch out for people, for they will turn you over to the [Jewish] councils [for judgment] and will have you flogged in their synagogues. 18) Yes, you will [even] be brought in front of governors and kings for being loyal to me. [This will give you an opportunity] for witnessing to them [as well] as to the [unconverted] Gentiles. 19) But when they turn you over [to them], do not worry about how to speak or what you should say. For you will be told [i.e., by God] what to say at the right time. 20) For it will not be you who speaks, but [rather] the Holy Spirit of your Father will be speaking in you. 21) [At that time] a person will turn his brother over to be killed, and the father [will do the same to] his child. And children will rebel against their parents and turn them over to be killed. 22) And you will be hated by everyone for being loyal to me. But the person who endures [this persecution by remaining faithful] to the end [of his life] is the one who will be saved [i.e., from spiritual and physical destruction]. 23) When they persecute you in one town, run to the next one, for it is true when I tell you, you will not have traveled through [all] the towns of the Israelites until the Son of man comes [i.e., in His kingdom].
24) A disciple is not more important than his teacher, nor a slave more important than his master. 25) A disciple is doing well if he can be [as good] as his teacher, and the slave [as good] as his master. If they have called the master of the house [i.e., Jesus] Beelzebub [i.e., the chief of evil spirits. See Mark 3:22], how much more [likely] will they call members of his household [i.e., the disciples] the same thing! 26) Therefore, do not be afraid [of these persecutors], for there is nothing [they do that will remain] covered up; it will [all] be exposed. And there is nothing they will do secretly that will not be made known [openly]. 27) What I am telling you in the darkness [i.e., in obscurity], you tell it in the light [i.e., openly]. And what you hear [whispered] in your ear [you should] declare it from the housetops. 28) And do not be afraid of those who can kill your body but not your soul. Instead, fear Him [i.e., God] who is able to destroy both your soul and body in hell. [See note on 5:29]. 29) Are not two sparrows sold [in the market for food] for a small coin [Note: The coin mentioned here was worth about a half hour=s worth of a farm laborer=s pay, or about $3 in 1994]? And not a [single] one of them can fall to the ground without your Father [knowing about it]. 30) God even knows the number of hairs on your head [Note: The average full head of hair has approximately 25,000 hairs]. 31) So, do not be afraid, for you are [much] more valuable than many sparrows.
32) Therefore, every person who acknowledges me in front of people [i.e., to be their Lord and Christ], I will acknowledge him [i.e., to be my disciple] in front of my Father in heaven. 33) But whoever disowns me in front of people [i.e., denies that I am the Christ, or that he is a disciple. See John 18:15-17, 25-27], I will disown him in front of my Father in heaven.
34) Do not think that I came to bring [only] peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace [only] but [also] a sword [of division. See Luke 12:51]. 35) For I came to set a person at odds against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. 36) [In fact] a person=s enemies will be members of his own family [i.e., in some cases]. 37) The person who loves his father and mother more than me does not deserve me [i.e., to be my disciple]. And the person who loves his son or daughter more than me does not deserve me [i.e., to be my disciple]. 38) And the person who does not accept his cross [i.e., his responsibilities with all their difficulties] and become my follower does not deserve me. 39) The person who finds [everything to satisfy him in] this life [here on earth] will lose [never ending life]. But the person who [is willing to] lose [the comforts and security of] this life [here on earth] for my sake [i.e., in loyal service to me] will find it [i.e., never ending life]. [See Mark 10:29-30]
40) The person who welcomes you [into his home] welcomes me. And the person who welcomes me [into his life] welcomes God, who sent me. 41) The person who welcomes a prophet because he is a prophet receives the [same] reward the prophet gets. And the person who welcomes a good man because he is good receives the [same] reward the good man gets. 42) Truly I tell you, whoever gives a mere drink of cold water to one of these least significant [disciples of mine] because he is a disciple, will certainly not lose his [temporal or eternal] reward.@
CHAPTER ELEVEN
1) And so it happened, when Jesus had finished instructing His twelve apostles, He left there [and went] to teach and preach in the [other] Israelite towns. [See 10:23]
2) Now while still in prison, John [the Immerser] heard about the things Christ was doing, [so] he sent [word] through his disciples 3) and said to Jesus, AAre you the One who was to come, or should we look for someone else?@ 4) Jesus answered them, AGo and tell John the things you are hearing and seeing; 5) [how] blind people are receiving back their sight, and crippled people are walking [again], and people with infectious skin diseases are being healed, and deaf-mutes are hearing [and speaking (?) again], and people are being raised [from the dead], and poor people are having the good news preached to them. 6) The person who does not find an occasion for having doubts about my identity is fortunate indeed.@
7) As the messengers [sent by John. See Luke 7:24] went on their way, Jesus began to talk to the crowds about John. [He said], AWhat did you expect to see when you went out into the desert? A tall stem swaying in the wind? 8) What did you expect to see? A man dressed in fancy clothes? Look, people who wear fancy clothes live in kings= palaces. 9) Why did you go out [to the desert]? To see a prophet? Yes, I should say [he was], and much more than a prophet. 10) He is the one about whom it was written [Mal. 3:1], >Look, I [will] send my messenger on ahead of you. He will prepare the pathway in front of you.= 11) It is true when I tell you, among [all] those born of women, no one greater than John the Immerser has come along. Yet the least significant person in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12) And from the days of John the Immerser the kingdom of heaven is experiencing turmoil, for violent men are [trying to] take control of it [by bringing it into existence] forcibly [i.e., before its appointed time. See Acts 1:6-7]. 13) For all of the prophets and the Law of Moses prophesied [of this kingdom] up until the time of John. 14) And if you are willing to accept [this truth], this person [i.e., John] fulfills [the prophecy of] the coming of Elijah [See Mal. 4:5-6]. 15) The person who has ears to hear with ought to listen [to this] carefully.
16) But what should I compare the people of this generation with? They are like children sitting in the open shopping market, who call out to their playmates, 17) >We [pretended like we] were making music [at a wedding] but you did not dance; we [pretended like we] were wailing [at a funeral] but you did not beat your chest [in mourning].= 18) For when John came, he did not eat or drink [on festive occasions] and people said, >He is dominated by an evil spirit.= 19) [Then] the Son of man came eating and drinking [at festive occasions] and they said, >Look, He is a glutton and a drunkard and a friend of tax collectors and worldly people.= It proves that [God=s] wise counsel is right by the way things turn out.@
20) Then Jesus began to rebuke the people of the towns where most of His powerful miracles were performed because they did not repent [when they saw Him perform them]. 21) [He said] AIt will be too bad for you, Chorazin! It will be too bad for you, Bethsaida! For if the powerful miracles had been performed in [the cities of] Tyre and Sidon which were performed in your presence, they would have repented long ago, [demonstrating it] by wearing sackcloth [i.e., a coarse cloth made of goat hair] and throwing ashes [into the air]. 22) But I tell you, Tyre and Sidon will be shown more leniency on the judgment day than you people will. 23) And Capernaum, do you think you will be lifted up toward heaven [as a proud city]? [No indeed], you will [surely] go down to the place of the unseen [i.e., become obscure or obliterated as a city]. For if the powerful miracles had been performed in Sodom which were performed in your presence, it would have remained [even] until today. 24) But I say to you, Sodom will be shown more leniency on the judgment day than you will.@
25) About that time Jesus said [in prayer], AI thank you, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things [i.e., the significance of Jesus= words and works] from those who [thought they] were wise and intelligent and have [instead] revealed them to people who are child-like. 26) Yes Father, you did this because it was very pleasing to you.
27) AAll things have been entrusted to me by my Father and no one [truly] knows the Son except the Father. And neither does anyone [truly] know the Father except the Son and that person to whom the Son wants to reveal Him. 28) Come to me, all of you who are overworked and overburdened and I will give you rest [i.e., spiritual refreshment]. 29) Accept my reins [on your life], and learn about me, because I am gentle and humble, and [in my service] you will experience rest in your spirits. 30) For my reins [on your life] are easy [to respond to] and the burden I place [on you] is light.@
CHAPTER TWELVE
1) About that time Jesus was walking through a grain field on the Sabbath day. His disciples were hungry so began picking off some heads of grain to eat [the kernels]. [Note: It was an accepted practice for people in that day to be permitted to do this as they walked along paths bordering a grain field]. 2) But when the Pharisees saw this, they said to Him, ALook, your disciples are doing what is against the Law of Moses to do on a Sabbath day.@ 3) Jesus replied, AHave you not read what King David did when he and his men were hungry? [I Sam. 21:6] 4) He entered the house of God [i.e., the Temple] and ate the >Bread of Presence=, which was not permissible, according to the Law of Moses, for him or those with him to do, since it was reserved only for the priests. 5) Or, have you not read in the Law of Moses that the priests in the Temple defiled the Sabbath day [i.e., by doing the >work= of offering sacrifices] and were not held guilty [of wrongdoing]? [See Num. 28:9-10] 6) But I tell you, someone greater than the Temple is here [with you]. 7) If you had [fully] understood what this means: >I desire mercy and not [only] sacrifice,= you would not have condemned someone who was not guilty [of wrongdoing]. 8) For the Son of man is lord [i.e., has authority] over the Sabbath day.@
9) Jesus left there and went into their [i.e., the Pharisees=] synagogues, 10) and there He saw a man with a deformed hand. They asked Him, AIs it permissible by the Law of Moses to heal someone on a Sabbath day?@ 11) He answered them, AWhich one of you who has [only] one sheep, and it fell in a ditch, would not reach down and lift it out [even] if it were on a Sabbath day? 12) Of how much more value then is a man than a sheep? Therefore, it is permissible by the Law of Moses to do what is good on a Sabbath day.@ 13) Then Jesus said to the man AReach out your hand.@ And when he stretched it out, it became normal, just like the other one. 14) But the Pharisees left and began discussing together how they could arrange to kill Him.
15) When Jesus perceived what they were doing He withdrew from that place. Many people followed Him and He healed all of them. 16) Then He urged them not to reveal His [true] identity, 17) so what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah would be fulfilled when he said, 18) [Isa. 13:1ff] ALook, see my [i.e., God=s] servant whom I have chosen; my dear One [i.e., Jesus] with whom my soul is very pleased: I will put my Holy Spirit on Him, and He will proclaim judgment to the [unconverted] Gentiles. 19) He will not be contentious nor shout out [loudly]. Neither will anyone hear His voice [raised] in the streets. 20) He will not [even] break a wilted stalk or put out a smoldering [lamp] wick until He exercises judgment [upon mankind through the Gospel] in order to bring about victory [i.e., in people=s lives]. 21) So, in His name the [unconverted] Gentiles will have hope.@
22) Then a person dominated by an evil spirit, who was [also] blind and mute, was brought to Jesus. He healed the man so that he was able [both] to speak and see [again]. 23) All the crowds of people were amazed and said, ACan this [Jesus] be the son of David?@ 24) But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, AThis man does not drive out evil spirits except by [the power of] Beelzebub, the chief of evil spirits.@ 25) Knowing their thoughts Jesus said to them, AEvery kingdom [plagued] with internal division will end in ruin. And every city or household divided from within will not survive. 26) If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself, [so] how then can his kingdom stand? 27) And if I drive out evil spirits by [the power of] Beelzebub, by whom do they [i.e., your people] drive them out? So, they become your judges. 28) But if I drive out evil spirits by [the power of] the Holy Spirit, then [that is evidence that] the kingdom of God has come into your midst [i.e., by my presence and ministry]. 29) Or, how can someone enter a strong man=s house and steal his belongings unless he first ties up the strong man? Only then will he be able to steal [his belongings] from his house. 30) The person who is not on my side is [actually] against me. And the person who does not gather [people to me] is [actually] driving them away [from me]. 31) Therefore I tell you, people will be forgiven of every sin and abusive word spoken [against God]. But abusive words spoken against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. 32) And whoever speaks an [abusive] word against the Son of man will be forgiven [of it], but whoever speaks [an abusive word] against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven [of it], not in this world nor the one to come. 33) Either be a healthy tree and produce wholesome fruit, or be a diseased tree and produce rotten fruit, for [the quality of] a tree will be recognized by [the quality of] its fruit. 34) You children of snakes! Since you are evil, how do you expect to speak good things? For the mouth speaks what the heart is filled with. 35) The good person produces good things from his storehouse of goodness. But the evil person produces bad things from his storehouse of evil. 36) And I say to you, a person will [have to] give an account [to God] on the Day of Judgment for every careless word he had spoken [while on earth]. 37) For you will be considered righteous by the words [you speak] and you will be condemned by the words [you speak].@
38) Then certain experts in the Law of Moses and some Pharisees answered Jesus, saying, ATeacher, we would like to see you perform a [supernatural] sign.@ 39) But He said to them, AIt is [only] an evil and unfaithful [i.e., to God] generation of people that looks for a [supernatural] sign. And there will not be any sign given to it except the [supernatural] sign [demonstrated in the life] of Jonah, the prophet. 40) For just like Jonah was in the stomach of the huge fish for three days and nights, so the Son of man will be in the heart of the earth [i.e., the cave-tomb] for three days and nights. 41) The people of Nineveh will stand up on the judgment day along with the people of this generation and will condemn them because they repented [i.e., changed their hearts and lives] when hearing the preaching of Jonah [See Jonah 3:5-10], and [now] Someone greater than Jonah is here [i.e., Jesus]. 42) The queen of the South [Note: This queen was from Sheba, I Kings 10:1, which was probably in Arabia] will stand up on the judgment day along with the people of this generation and will condemn them because she came from a great distance to hear [and see] Solomon=s wisdom [I Kings 10:1ff] and [now] Someone greater than Solomon is here [i.e., Jesus]. 43) But when an evil spirit has been driven out of a person, it roams through desert regions trying to find rest but cannot find it. 44) Then it says [to itself], I will return to my house which I came out of [i.e., the body of the person it dominated]. But when it returns [to that body] it finds it empty, cleaned out and [newly] decorated. 45) Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits, more evil than itself, and they reenter [the body] and [begin to] live there, so that the latter state of that person becomes worse than the former [state]. It will be the same way with the people of this evil generation.@
46) While Jesus was still speaking to the large crowds, His mother and [half-] brothers were standing outside [of the large house. See 13:1] wanting to speak to Him. 47) Someone [from the crowd] said to Him, ALook, your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.@ 48) He answered the person who told Him, A[Just] who is my mother? And who are my brothers?@ 49) Then He stretched out His hand toward His disciples and said, ALook, [here is] my mother and my brothers! For whoever will do what my Father in heaven desires, is my brother and sister and mother.@
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
1) On that [same] day, Jesus went out of the house and sat down on the shore of the lake [i.e., Lake Galilee]. 2) Great crowds gathered around Him so that He went and sat down in a boat [just off shore], while the crowd stood on the beach. 3) And He spoke many things to them in parables [i.e., brief stories to illustrate His teaching], saying, AOnce a farmer went out [to his field] to plant grain. 4) And some of the seed he sowed [i.e., scattering it by hand] landed along the side of the road and birds came and ate it. 5) And other seed fell on rocky ground where there was not much soil and immediately it sprouted up because the soil was so shallow. 6) But when the sun came up these tender sprouts were scorched and, since they had such tiny roots, they [quickly] withered away. 7) And other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and [eventually] choked out the tender sprouts. 8) And [still] other seed fell onto fertile soil, where some of it produced a crop of one hundred, some sixty and some thirty times [as much as was planted]. 9) The person who has ears to hear with ought to listen [to this] carefully.@
10) Jesus= disciples came and said to Him, AWhy are you speaking to them [i.e., the large crowds] by using parables?@ 11) He replied, AYou disciples are being given an understanding of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but the crowds of people are not. 12) For to the person who [already] has something, [more] will be given, so he will have a larger amount [i.e., of understanding], but from the person who has [almost] nothing, even [the little] he has will be taken away from him. 13) Therefore, I am speaking to them with parables because [although] they can see, they [really] do not perceive, and [although] they can hear, they [really] do not comprehend, and so they [utterly] fail to understand [what I am trying to get across]. 14) So, the prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled by them, which says, [Isa. 6:9f] >You will hear all right, but you will not understand [what you hear]. You will see all right but you will not perceive [what you see]. 15) For these people=s minds are dull, and their ears have difficulty hearing, and they have shut their eyes. For if this were not the case, they would perceive what they see with their eyes, and comprehend what they hear with their ears, and understand with their minds and would turn [back to God] again so I would heal them [from their sins].= 16) But your eyes are fortunate for they [really] see, and so are your ears, for they [really] hear. 17) For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people have desired to see the things you are seeing, but did not get to. They desired to hear the things you are hearing, but did not get to.
18) AListen then to this parable of the farmer [who sowed seed]. 19) When anyone hears the message of the kingdom but does not understand it, the evil one [i.e., the devil] comes to him and grabs away what had been sown in his heart. This is the person who was scattered to the side of the road. 20) And the person who was sown on rocky ground is the one who hears the message and immediately welcomes it joyfully, 21) but since he has such a shallow root, he lasts for [only] a short while. Then when trouble or persecution comes because of the message, immediately he falls away [from God]. 22) And the person who was sown among the thorns is the one who hears the message, but the anxieties of the world [i.e., of life] and the deceptiveness of [material] riches choke the message and he becomes unproductive. 23) But the person who was sown on the fertile soil is the one who hears the message and understands it. Truly, he produces a crop that yields one hundred, sixty or thirty times [as much as was planted].@
24) [Then] Jesus told them another parable, saying, AThe kingdom of heaven is similar to a person who sowed seed in his field, 25) but while his workers were asleep his enemy came and scattered weed seeds throughout his wheat field and then left. 26) But when the [green] shoots sprouted up and produced grain, weeds appeared also. 27) The farmer=s hired hands came and asked him, >Did you not plant [only] good seed in your field? Where did the weeds come from [then]?= 28) And he said to them, >An enemy [of mine] has done this [to me].= The hired hands replied, >Do you want us then to go and gather up the weeds?= 29) But the farmer said, >No, for while you are gathering up the weeds, you might root up [some of] the wheat with them. 30) Let both of them grow together until it is time for the harvest; then at that time, I will tell the harvesters, AGather up the weeds first, and bind them up into bundles to burn. But gather the wheat into my barn.@=@
31) Jesus told them another parable, saying, AThe kingdom of heaven is similar to a seed from the mustard tree which a man took and planted in his field. 32) This seed is indeed [one of] the smallest of all seeds, but when it is [fully] grown, it is larger than [other] plants, and [even] becomes a tree, so that the birds of the sky come and roost on its branches.@
33) Then He told them another parable: AThe kingdom of heaven is similar to yeast, which a woman worked into a batch of dough [i.e., the amount was over half a bushel], until [the dough] was completely leavened [by it].@
34) Jesus spoke all these things to the crowds with parables. He did not say anything to them without using a parable. 35) [This was] so that what was spoken by the prophet would be fulfilled, when he said [Psa. 78:2], AI will open my mouth [to speak] with parables. I will say things that have been hidden from the beginning of time.@
36) He then left the crowds and went into the house. [While there] His disciples came to Him, and said, AExplain to us [the meaning of] the parable of the weeds in the field.@ 37) And He answered them, AThe person who planted the good seed is the Son of man, 38) and the field [represents] the world. The good seed [represents] the children who belong to the kingdom, and the weeds [represent] the children who belong to the evil one [i.e., the devil]. 39) The enemy who scattered the weed seeds is the devil; the harvest time is the end of the world; and the harvesters are angels. 40) Just like the weeds were gathered up and burned with fire, so it will be at the end of the world. 41) The Son of man will send out His angels and they will gather out of His kingdom all those people who cause others to fall away [from God] and those who [continue to] sin. 42) He will throw these people into the fiery furnace where there will be crying and excruciating pain. 43) Then the people who did what was right will shine out like the sun in their Father=s kingdom. The person who has ears [to hear with] ought to listen [to this] carefully.
44) AThe kingdom of heaven is similar to a person finding a treasure hidden in a field. After finding it, he was so happy he hid it [again], then went out and sold everything he owned so he could buy that field.
45) AAgain, the kingdom of heaven is similar to a [retail] merchant searching to buy some fine pearls. 46) When he found an extremely valuable one he went and sold all that he owned and bought it.
47) AAgain, the kingdom of heaven is similar to a drag-net [for fishing] that was cast into the lake and gathered all kinds [of fish]. 48) When it became full, the fishermen dragged it up onto the shore. Then they sat down and, [sorting their catch], placed the good [i.e., edible fish] into containers, but threw out the bad [i.e., inedible ones]. 49) At the end of the world it will be that same way. The angels will come and divide the sinful people from the ones who did what was right, 50) and throw the sinful ones into the fiery furnace where there will be crying and excruciating pain.@
51) AHave you understood all these things?@ [Jesus asked]. AYes,@ they said to Him. 52) Then He said to them, ATherefore every expert in the Law of Moses who has been made a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is similar to a [wealthy] homeowner who brought [both] new and old things out of his supply of goods.@
53) And it happened, when Jesus had finished [giving] these parables, He went away from that place.
54) And when He came to His home town [i.e., Nazareth], Jesus taught people in their synagogues to their amazement. They said, AWhere did this man get [such] wisdom and [the ability to perform] these supernatural deeds? 55) Is not he the carpenter=s [i.e., Joseph=s] son? [And] is not his mother named Mary, and are not his brothers [named] James, Joseph, Simon and Judas? 56) And are not his sisters all [here] with us? Where then did he get all these things [i.e., wisdom, knowledge, miracles, etc]?@ 57) And they were led to doubt His true identity. But Jesus said to them, AA prophet does not go without being honored, exc