Study Desk

But Jesus said to them, "I must preach about God's kingdom to other towns, too. This is why I was sent."

Simon answered, "Master, we worked hard all night trying to catch fish, and we caught nothing. But you say to put the nets in the water, so I will."

Then Jesus said, "Don't tell anyone about this, but go and show yourself to the priest and offer a gift for your healing, as Moses commanded. This will show the people what I have done."

But the news about Jesus spread even more. Many people came to hear Jesus and to be healed of their sicknesses,

but Jesus often slipped away to be alone so he could pray.

But because there were so many people there, they could not find a way in. So they went up on the roof and lowered the man on his mat through the ceiling into the middle of the crowd right before Jesus.

But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said, "Why are you thinking these things?

But I will prove to you that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins." So Jesus said to the paralyzed man, "I tell you, stand up, take your mat, and go home."

But the Pharisees and the men who taught the law for the Pharisees began to complain to Jesus' followers, "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?"

Jesus answered them, "It is not the healthy people who need a doctor, but the sick.

I have not come to invite good people but sinners to change their hearts and lives."

They said to Jesus, "John's followers often fast for a certain time and pray, just as the Pharisees do. But your followers eat and drink all the time."

But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast."

But he knew what they were thinking, and he said to the man with the crippled hand, "Stand up here in the middle of everyone." The man got up and stood there.

But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law were very angry and discussed with each other what they could do to Jesus.

"People will hate you, shut you out, insult you, and say you are evil because you follow the Son of Man. But when they do, you will be blessed.

"But how terrible it will be for you who are rich, because you have had your easy life.

"But I say to you who are listening, love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you,

But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without hoping to get anything back. Then you will have a great reward, and you will be children of the Most High God, because he is kind even to people who are ungrateful and full of sin.

A student is not better than the teacher, but the student who has been fully trained will be like the teacher.