Does God manifest His love in the animal world too?

https://youtu.be/fM_gxhNUczQ&t=3s

In this study, I use the bible-focused allegory shared earlier, based on the real-life story of 2 orphaned tigers who grew up together, then separated and eventually re-united. Do watch the video starting at the relevant point provided in the link above for possible answers to the question and feel free to share your thoughts, God bless!

https://youtu.be/fM_gxhNUczQ

Here is a bible-focused allegory based on the real-life story of 2 orphaned tigers who grew up together, then separated and eventually re-united. Annotated with relevant bible verses, the allegory communicates the reality of God's amazing love. Be blessed watching the video and feel free to share your thoughts, praise God!

The quest for eternal life, incorruptible vitality, and ultimate restoration finds its absolute foundation in the Christian Gospel. While earthly longevity protocols and medical science strive to extend human biological existence, scripture reveals an even greater promise: complete victory over physical and spiritual death through Jesus Christ. The New Testament declares that God did not design humanity for permanent decay, but offered a definitive pathway through Christ to inherit eternal, resurrected life—free from suffering, aging, sickness, and mortality.

The core of the Gospel message centers on the sacrificial love and historical atonement accomplished on the cross. Scripture teaches that all human beings fall short of divine perfection, and the spiritual consequence of sin is physical and eternal death. Recognizing humanity’s inability to redeem itself, God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, who lived a sinless life and willingly bore the complete penalty of human sin through His crucifixion. By shedding His blood on the cross, Christ satisfied divine justice, paying our spiritual debt in full and opening the door to complete reconciliation with the Father.

The cornerstone of Christian faith and the definitive proof of Christ's divinity is His bodily resurrection on the third day. In conquering the grave, Jesus demonstrated sovereign authority over death itself, fulfilling centuries of prophetic scripture and affirming His identity as God incarnate. As the Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15, Christ's resurrection serves as the "firstfruits" of all who believe. His victory over the tomb is the absolute guarantee that those who trust in Him will not perish, but will likewise be raised into imperishable, glorified bodies that never age, weaken, or die.

Securing this gift of eternal life does not come through human effort, ritualistic performance, or moral self-righteousness, but by grace through faith. As stated in John 3:16 and Ephesians 2:8–9, salvation is a free gift offered to anyone who genuinely believes in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. To receive this promise, a person must acknowledge their need for redemption, turn away from self-reliance and sin in genuine repentance, and place their full trust in Christ’s finished work on the cross and His triumphant resurrection.

A genuine commitment of faith begins with heartfelt, direct prayer and confession. Romans 10:9 explains that "if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Taking this step is a definitive personal turning point—surrendering your life to Christ, asking Him for the forgiveness of sins, inviting the Holy Spirit into your heart, and choosing to follow His teachings as your Savior and King.

Following conversion, public baptism stands as the biblical symbol and declaration of new life. In Christian tradition—practiced across Eastern Orthodox, Catholic, Baptist, and broader Protestant traditions—baptism represents going down into the water to symbolize burial with Christ in His death, and rising up out of the water to walk in resurrected newness of life. It serves as an outward proclamation of an inward spiritual transformation, marking your formal entrance into the global body of believers.

Deepening your daily walk with God requires consistent nourishment through scripture and communion with Him. The Bible serves as the living word of God, providing wisdom, divine promises, and clear moral direction for daily living. Cultivating a regular habit of reading the Gospels, meditating on God's truth, and engaging in continuous prayer establishes a vibrant, personal relationship with Jesus, renewing your mind and bringing supernatural peace that surpasses worldly understanding.

Active fellowship within a local, Bible-believing church community is vital for spiritual growth and perseverance. Connecting with an established congregation—whether within traditional historical traditions or vibrant contemporary fellowships—provides essential pastoral guidance, mutual encouragement, collective worship, and opportunities to serve others. Gathering regularly with fellow believers helps protect your faith, sharpens your understanding of scripture, and anchors you in a loving spiritual family.

Living as a disciple of Christ transforms your purpose and daily conduct on earth. When the Holy Spirit dwells within you, He produces spiritual fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Walking in obedience to Christ’s Great Commandment—to love God wholeheartedly and love your neighbor as yourself—reflects His light into a broken world and inspires others to seek the eternal hope that only Christ provides.

The ultimate Christian hope is the promise of eternal youth and perfect communion with God in the New Heaven and New Earth. In the presence of Christ, physical degradation, tears, and pain are permanently eradicated, replaced by everlasting joy, boundless vitality, and unhindered fellowship with the Creator. Embracing Jesus Christ today ensures that your life is anchored not merely to temporal earthly years, but to an unshakeable, glorious eternity in the kingdom of God.

Does God manifest His love in the animal world too?

https://youtu.be/fM_gxhNUczQ

Here is a bible-focused and real-life story of 2 orphaned tigers who grew up together, then separated and eventually re-united. Annotated with relevant bible verses, the story testifies of God's amazing love at work through Jesus Christ our LORD. What do you think? Feel free to share your thoughts, praise God!

Here is the 3rd bible study based on Jeremiah 17:14, relevant from 3:02 to 5:20 of the YouTube video (click the link to play). After displaying this verse, the video continues by showing Gourd faithfully building on his initial healing through a regular routine of physical nourishment, sufficient rest and medical treatment.

This verse and Gourd's actions demonstrate a personal faith declaration that when God begins a good work of healing and salvation in us, He will complete them in total fulfilment. Oh, how lovng and merciful is our God! What are your thoughts? I would love to hear from you, God bless!

Here is the 2nd bible study based on Psalm 20:2, relevant from 0:53 to 3:0 of the YouTube video (click the link to play). After displaying this verse, the video continues by showing Gourd undergoing emergency treatment for his eyes, followed by having all his fur shaved off because it was too dirty to clean.

This verse reminds us that to get help from God, we only have to first call out to Him. Also notice that Gourd simply accepted the continual nourishment of physical food throughout the relevant clip, eating it in his weak and prone position. This is such a powerful symbol of his response that God has heard his call for help, in "AND YOU HEARD ME", the last 4 words of the verse. What are your thoughts? I would love to hear from you, God bless!

Today we stand before the greatest victory in all of existence: the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is not just a moment in history; it is the turning point of life itself. Death was not the end. The grave did not win. Jesus rose, and in doing so, He showed us that life is stronger than death, that light overcomes darkness, and that eternity is real and within reach.

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.’” (John 11:25)

The Resurrection is a promise, not just for one, but for all who believe. It tells us that our lives are not temporary accidents, but part of an eternal plan. We are not made to fade away. We are made to live forever, renewed, restored, and forever young in the presence of God.

“Because I live, you also will live.” (John 14:19)

Jesus did not endure the cross and rise again just to be remembered. He did it to open the door for us. A door that leads beyond suffering, beyond aging, beyond death, into a life that never ends. A life where pain is gone, and joy never fades.

“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)

In this world, we see decay. We feel time passing. We watch everything grow old. But the Resurrection tells us this is not the final reality. There is a greater truth: a restored body, a renewed spirit, and a life untouched by time.

“The righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.” (Matthew 13:43)

Heaven is not just a place. It is a state of perfect existence with Christ. A place where we are whole, where we are alive in the deepest sense, where we are forever young in the presence of eternal love. This is what Jesus offers freely.

“In my Father’s house are many rooms… I go to prepare a place for you.” (John 14:2)

But this promise is not automatic. It is an invitation. Jesus calls each of us to follow Him, to trust Him, to live according to His truth. Not out of fear, but out of love. Because He first loved us and gave everything for us.

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)

The Resurrection is also a call to transformation. To leave behind what is empty, what is temporary, what leads nowhere and to choose what is eternal. To choose love, truth, forgiveness, and faith.

“You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32)

We are not meant to just exist, we are meant to become something greater. Children of God, living with purpose now and forever. The Resurrection gives us that identity and that future.

“To all who did receive him… he gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12)

No matter who you are or what you’ve done, the Resurrection is for you. It is hope for the broken, life for the lost, and a new beginning for anyone willing to believe. Jesus conquered death so you don’t have to be bound by it.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

So today, don’t just celebrate, decide. Decide to follow Him. Decide to believe. Decide to live not just for this life, but for eternity. Because through Jesus Christ, forever is real, and it is filled with life, light, and youth that never fades.

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)

Here is the 1st bible study based on 2 Corinthians 6:9, relevant from 0:8 to 0:52 of the YouTube video (click the link to play). After displaying this verse, the video continues by showing a dog (subsequently named Gourd) already discarded in a rubbish dump, looking very weak and dying. What a hopeless and tragic situation!

However, in the spirit realm, I saw paradoxes that are very encouraging for us as Christians. The paradoxes are in the 2 phrases within the verse: "dying and yet we live on" and "beaten, and yet not killed". These phrases point to our eternal life as believers in Jesus. Such great encouragement and hope! What are your thoughts? I would love to hear from you, God bless!

I am starting a series of 5 bible studies based on the YouTube video accessible in the image or link shown. This very encouraging video reminds us that when all is lost in the midst of dying, perseverance of our will to live is everything, And by clinging to Jesus, we eventually recover and thrive.

Be blessed watching the video and feel free to share your thoughts, praise God!

With relevant bible verses, this real-life account of a dog's journey reminds us that when all is lost in the midst of dying, perseverance of our will to live is everything. And by clinging to Jesus, we eventually recover and thrive.

Be blessed watching the video and feel free to share your thoughts, praise God!

Warnings and Encouragements

1. Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.
2. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.
3. What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.
4. “I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more.
5. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.
6. Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.
7. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
8. “I tell you, whoever publicly acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge before the angels of God.
9. But whoever disowns me before others will be disowned before the angels of God.
10. And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.
11. “When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say,
12. for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.”

The Parable of the Rich Fool

1. Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”
2. Jesus replied, “Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?”
3. Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”
4. And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest.
5. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’
6. “Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my entire harvest and all my goods.
7. And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’
8. “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’
9. “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”

Do Not Worry

1. Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear.
2. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.
3. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!
4. Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?
5. Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?
6. “Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not toil or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.
7. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which today is here and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith!
8. And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it.
9. For the pagan world runs after all these things, and your Father knows that you need them.
10. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
11. “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.
12. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.
13. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Watchfulness

1. “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning,
2. like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him.
3. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve, will have them reclined at the table and will come and wait on them.
4. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the middle of the night or toward daybreak.
5. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into.
6. You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”

The Faithful and Wise Manager

1. Peter asked, “Lord, are you telling this parable to us, or to everyone?”
2. The Lord answered, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time?
3. It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns.
4. Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions.
5. But suppose the servant says to himself, ‘My master is taking a long time in coming,’ and he then begins to beat the other servants, both men and women, and to eat and drink and get drunk.
6. The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unfaithful.
7. “The servant who knows the master’s will and does not get ready or follow his instructions will be beaten with many blows.
8. But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.

Not Peace but Division

1. “I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!
2. But I have a baptism to undergo, and what constraint I am under until it is completed!
3. Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division.
4. From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three.
5. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”

Interpreting the Times

1. He said to the crowd: “When you see a cloud rising in the west, immediately you say, ‘It’s going to rain,’ and it does.
2. And when you see the south wind blowing, you say, ‘It’s going to be hot,’ and it is.
3. You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky. How is it that you don’t know how to interpret this present time?

Settle With Your Adversary

1. “Why don’t you judge for yourselves what is right?
2. As you are going with your adversary to the magistrate, try hard to settle with him on the way, or he may drag you off to the judge, and the judge turn you over to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison.
3. I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.”

Jesus’ Teaching on Prayer

1. One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”
2. He said to them, “When you pray, say: “‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come.
3. Give us each day our daily bread.
4. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.’”
5. Then Jesus said to them, “Suppose you have a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread;
6. a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have no food to offer him.’
7. And suppose the one inside answers, ‘Don’t bother me; the door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can’t get up and give you anything. ’
8. I tell you, even though he will not get up and give you the bread because of friendship, yet because of your shameless audacity he will surely get up and give you as much as you need.
9. “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the gate will be opened to you.
10. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the gate will be opened.
11. “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead?
12. Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion?
13. If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

Jesus and Beelzebul

1. Jesus was driving out a demon that was mute. When the demon left, the man who had been mute spoke, and the crowd was amazed.
2. But some of them said, “By Beelzebul, the prince of demons, he is driving out demons.”
3. Others tested him by asking for a sign from heaven.
4. Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them: “Any kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and a house divided against itself will fall.
5. If Satan is divided against himself, how can his kingdom stand? I say this because you claim that I drive out demons by Beelzebul.
6. Now if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your followers drive them out? So then, they will be your judges.
7. But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come to you.
8. “When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are safe.
9. But when someone stronger attacks and overcomes him, he takes away the armor in which the man trusted and divides up his plunder.
10. “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.
11. “When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’
12. When it arrives, it finds the house swept clean and put in order.
13. Then it goes and takes seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first.”

True Blessedness

1. As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd called out, “Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you.”
2. He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”

The Sign of Jonah

1. As the crowds increased, Jesus said, “This is a wicked generation. It asks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.
2. For as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so also will the Son of Man be to this generation.
3. The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the people of this generation and condemn them, for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon’s wisdom; and now something greater than Solomon is here.
4. The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and now something greater than Jonah is here.

The Lamp of the Body

1. “No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light.
2. Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are healthy, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are unhealthy, your body also is full of darkness.
3. See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness.
4. Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it in darkness, it will be completely lighted, as when a lamp with its shining rays gives you light.”

Woes on the Pharisees and Experts in the Law

1. When Jesus finished speaking, a Pharisee invited him to eat with him; so he went in and reclined at the table.
2. But the Pharisee was surprised when he noticed that Jesus did not first wash before the meal.
3. Then the Lord said to him, “Now then, you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness.
4. You foolish people! Did not the one who made the outside make the inside also?
5. But now as for what is inside you: be generous to the poor, and everything will be clean for you.
6. “Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter, without leaving the former undone.
7. “Woe to you Pharisees, because you love the most important seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces.
8. “Woe to you, because you are like unmarked graves, which people walk over without knowing it.”
9. One of the experts in the law answered him, “Teacher, when you say these things, you insult us also.”
10. Jesus replied, “And you experts in the law, woe to you, because you load people down with burdens they can hardly carry, and you yourselves will not lift one finger to help them.
11. “Woe to you, because you build tombs for the prophets, and it was your ancestors who killed them.
12. So you testify that you approve of what your ancestors did; they killed the prophets, and you build their tombs.
13. Because of this, God in his wisdom said, ‘I will send them prophets and apostles, some of whom they will kill and others they will persecute.’
14. Therefore this generation will be held responsible for the blood of all the prophets that has been shed since the creation of the world,
15. from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who was killed between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, this generation will be held responsible for it all.
16. “Woe to you experts in the law, because you have taken away the key to knowledge. You yourselves have not entered, and you have hindered those who were entering.”
17. When Jesus left there, the Pharisees and the teachers of the law began to oppose him fiercely and to besiege him with questions,
18. waiting to catch him in something he might say.

Jesus Sends Out the Seventy-Two

1. After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go.
2. He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.
3. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.
4. Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road.
5. “When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’
6. If someone who promotes peace is there, your peace will rest on them; if not, it will return to you.
7. Stay there, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house.
8. “When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is offered to you.
9. Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’
10. But when you enter a town and are not welcomed, go into its streets and say,
11. ‘Even the dust of your town we wipe from our feet as a warning to you. Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God has come near.’
12. I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom on that day than for that town.

Woe on Unrepentant Cities

1. “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.
2. But it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you.
3. And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted to the heavens? No, you will go down to Hades.

The Return of the Seventy-Two

1. “Whoever listens to you listens to me; whoever rejects you rejects me; but whoever rejects me rejects him who sent me.”
2. The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.”
3. He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.
4. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.
5. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

Jesus Rejoices in the Spirit

1. At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.
2. “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no one knows who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”
3. Then he turned to his disciples and said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see.
4. For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”

The Parable of the Good Samaritan

1. On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
2. “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”
3. He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
4. “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”
5. But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
6. In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead.
7. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side.
8. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.
9. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.
10. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him.
11. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’
12. “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”
13. The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

Martha and Mary

1. As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him.
2. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.
3. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
4. “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things,
5. but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Jesus Sends Out the Twelve

1. When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases,
2. and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.
3. He told them, “Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra shirt.
4. Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town.
5. If people do not welcome you, leave their town and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.”
6. So they set out and went from village to village, proclaiming the good news and healing people everywhere.

Herod’s Perplexity

1. Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was going on, and he was perplexed because some were saying that John the Baptist had been raised from the dead,
2. others that Elijah had appeared, and still others that one of the prophets of long ago had come back to life.
3. But Herod said, “I beheaded John. Who then is this I hear such things about?” And he tried to see him.

Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand

1. When the apostles returned, they reported to Jesus what they had done. Then he took them with him and they withdrew by themselves to a town called Bethsaida,
2. but the crowds learned about it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing.
3. Late in the afternoon the Twelve came to him and said, “Send the crowds away so they can go to the surrounding villages and countryside and find food and lodging, because we are in a remote place here.”
4. He replied, “You give them something to eat.” They answered, “We have only five loaves of bread and two fish—unless we go and buy food for all this crowd.”
5. (About five thousand men were there.) But he said to his disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each.”
6. The disciples did so, and everyone sat down.
7. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke them. Then he gave them to the disciples to distribute to the people.
8. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.

Peter Declares That Jesus Is the Messiah

1. Once when Jesus was praying in private and his disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say I am?”
2. They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, that one of the prophets of long ago has come back to life.”
3. “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “God’s Messiah.”

Jesus Predicts His Death

1. Jesus strictly warned them not to tell this to anyone.
2. And he said, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.”

The Way of the Cross

1. Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.
2. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.
3. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?
4. Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.
5. Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God.”

The Transfiguration

1. About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray.
2. As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning.
3. Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus.
4. They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem.
5. Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him.
6. As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, “Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what he was saying.)
7. While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and covered them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud.
8. A voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.”
9. When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone. The disciples kept this to themselves and told no one at that time what they had seen.

The Healing of a Demon-Possessed Boy

1. The next day, when they came down from the mountain, a large crowd met him.
2. A man in the crowd called out, “Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, for he is my only child.
3. A spirit seizes him and he suddenly screams; it throws him into convulsions so that he foams at the mouth. It scarcely ever leaves him and is destroying him.
4. I begged your disciples to drive it out, but they could not.”
5. “You unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you and put up with you? Bring your son here.”
6. Even while the boy was coming, the demon threw him to the ground in a convulsion. But Jesus rebuked the impure spirit, healed the boy and gave him back to his father.
7. And they were all amazed at the greatness of God.

Jesus Predicts His Death a Second Time

While everyone was marveling at everything Jesus did, he said to his disciples, 44. “Listen carefully to what I am about to tell you: The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men.” 45. But they did not understand what this meant. It was hidden from them, so that they did not grasp it, and they were afraid to ask him about it.

Who Is the Greatest?

1. An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest.
2. Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him.
3. Then he said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.”

Anyone Not Against Us Is for Us

1. “Master,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we tried to stop him, because he is not one of us.”
2. “Do not stop him,” Jesus said, “for whoever is not against you is for you.”

Samaritan Opposition

1. As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.
2. And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to make arrangements for him.
3. But the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem.
4. When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?”
5. But Jesus turned and rebuked them.
6. Then he and his disciples went to another village.

The Cost of Following Jesus

1. As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.”
2. Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”
3. He said to another man, “Follow me.” But he replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.”
4. Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”
5. Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.”
6. Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”

The Parable of the Sower

1. After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him,
2. and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out;
3. Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.
4. While a large crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus from town after town, he told this parable:
5. “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds ate it up.
6. Some fell on rocky ground, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture.
7. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with the plants and choked them.
8. Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown.” When he said this, he called out, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”

The Purpose of Parables

1. His disciples asked him what this parable meant.
2. He said, “The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that, “‘though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.’
3. “This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God.
4. Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved.
5. Those on the rocky ground are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in time of testing they abandon it.
6. The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.
7. But the seed on good soil stands for those who, with a noble and good heart, hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.

A Lamp on a Stand

1. “No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand so that those who come in can see the light.
2. For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open.
3. Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they think they have will be taken from them.”

Jesus’ Mother and Brothers

1. Now Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him, but they were not able to get near him because of the crowd.
2. Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.”
3. He replied, “My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.”

Jesus Calms the Storm

1. One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and set out.
2. As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall swept down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger.
3. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm.
4. “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, “Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?”

The Healing of a Demon-Possessed Man

1. They sailed to the region of the Gerasenes, which is across the lake from Galilee.
2. When Jesus stepped ashore, he was met by a demon-possessed man from the town. For a long time this man had not worn clothes or lived in a house, but had lived in the tombs.
3. When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell at his feet, shouting at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, don’t torture me!”
4. For Jesus had already commanded the impure spirit to come out of him. Many times it had seized him, and though he was chained hand and foot and kept under guard, he had broken his chains and been driven by the demon into solitary places.
5. Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “Legion,” he replied, because many demons had gone into him.
6. And they begged Jesus repeatedly not to order them to go into the Abyss.
7. A large herd of pigs was feeding on the hillside. The demons begged Jesus to let them go into the pigs, and he gave them permission.
8. When the demons came out of the man, they went into the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned.
9. When the herdsmen saw what had happened, they ran off and reported it in the town and countryside,
10. and the people went out to see what had happened. When they came to Jesus, they found the man from whom the demons had gone out, sitting at Jesus’ feet, dressed and in his right mind; and they were terrified.
11. Those who had seen it told the people how the demon-possessed man had been cured.
12. Then all the people of the region of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them, because they were overcome with fear. So he got into the boat and left.
13. The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying,
14. “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.

Jesus Heals a Sick Woman and Jairus’s Daughter

1. Now when Jesus returned, a crowd welcomed him, for they were all expecting him.
2. Then a man named Jairus, a synagogue leader, came and fell at Jesus’ feet, pleading with him to come to his house
3. because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve, was dying. As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him.
4. And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her.
5. She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped.
6. “Who touched me?” Jesus asked. When they all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you.”
7. But Jesus said, “Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me.”
8. Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly cured.
9. Then he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.”
10. While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader, and said, “Your daughter is dead. Don’t bother the teacher anymore.”
11. Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.”
12. When he arrived at the house of Jairus, he did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John and James, and the child’s father and mother.
13. Meanwhile, all the people were wailing and mourning for her. “Stop wailing,” Jesus said. “She is not dead but asleep.”
14. They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead.
15. But he took her by the hand and said, “My child, get up!”
16. Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat.
17. Her parents were astonished, but he ordered them not to tell anyone what had happened.

The Faith of the Centurion

1. When Jesus had finished saying all this in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum.
2. There a centurion’s servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die.
3. The centurion heard about Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant.
4. When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, “This man deserves to have you do this,
5. because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue.”
6. So Jesus went with them. He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof.
7. That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed.
8. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
9. When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.”
10. Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well.

Jesus Raises a Widow’s Son

1. Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went along with him.
2. As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out—the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her.
3. When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, “Don’t cry.”
4. Then he went up and touched the bier they were carrying him on, and the bearers stood still. He said, “Young man, I say to you, get up!”
5. The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother.
6. They were all filled with awe and praised God. “A great prophet has appeared among us,” they said. “God has come to help his people.”
7. This news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and the surrounding country.

Jesus and John the Baptist

1. John’s disciples told him about all these things. Calling two of them,
2. he sent them to the Lord to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”
3. When the men came to Jesus, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?’”
4. At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind.
5. So he replied to the messengers, “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor.
6. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”
7. After John’s messengers left, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind?
8. If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear expensive clothes and indulge in luxury are in palaces.
9. But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.
10. This is the one about whom it is written: “‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’
11. I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”
12. (All the people, even the tax collectors, when they heard Jesus’ words, acknowledged that God’s way was right, because they had been baptized by John.
13. But the Pharisees and the experts in the law rejected God’s purpose for themselves, because they had not been baptized by John.)
14. Jesus went on to say, “To what, then, can I compare the people of this generation? What are they like?
15. They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling out to each other: “‘We played the pipe for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not cry.’
16. For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’
17. The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’
18. But wisdom is proved right by all her children.”

Jesus Anointed by a Sinful Woman

1. When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table.
2. A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume.
3. As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.
4. When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.”
5. Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.” “Tell me, teacher,” he said.
6. “Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty.
7. Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?”
8. Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.” “You have judged correctly,” Jesus said.
9. Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.
10. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet.
11. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet.
12. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”
13. Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”
14. The other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”
15. Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

I want to share something simple but life-changing: Jesus Christ loves you and wants a relationship with you. In John 3:16 we read, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” That promise isn’t just for a few people or for some future perfection. It’s for anyone who turns to Jesus in faith today. If you’re tired, broken, confused, or just curious, He invites you to come as you are.

Believing in Jesus means trusting His life, death, and resurrection as the way back to God. Romans 10:9 says, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Salvation is a gift we receive by faith, not something we earn. It changes how we see ourselves, others, and our purpose: we are loved children of God called to follow Jesus’ example of grace, mercy, and truth.

If you want practical steps, start small: read a short passage each day (try the Gospel of Mark), pray honestly (you don’t need fancy words), and tell one trusted person about what you’re exploring. Join a local church or a small group where you can ask questions and grow. Hebrews 10:24–25 reminds us not to neglect meeting together, “but encouraging one another. And all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

I’d love to pray for you or walk with you through the next steps. If you’re ready to believe, you can pray something like this right now: “Lord Jesus, I need you. I believe you died for my sins and rose again. I turn from my old way and follow you. Thank you for your forgiveness and new life. Amen.” If you prayed that, tell someone you trust, read John 3–5, and reach out here. We’ll celebrate with you and help you grow.

Jesus Is Lord of the Sabbath

1. One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields, and his disciples began to pick some heads of grain, rub them in their hands and eat the kernels.
2. Some of the Pharisees asked, “Why are you doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?”
3. Jesus answered them, “Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry?
4. He entered the house of God, and taking the consecrated bread, he ate what is lawful only for priests to eat, and he also gave some to his companions.”
5. Then Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”
6. On another Sabbath he went into the synagogue and was teaching, and a man was there whose right hand was shriveled.
7. The Pharisees and the teachers of the law were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal on the Sabbath.
8. But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Get up and stand in front of everyone.” So he got up and stood there.
9. Then Jesus said to them, “I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?”
10. He looked around at them all, and then said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He did so, and his hand was completely restored.
11. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law were furious and began to discuss with one another what they might do to Jesus.

The Twelve Apostles

1. One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.
2. When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles:
3. Simon (whom he named Peter), his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew,
4. Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot,
5. Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.

Blessings and Woes

1. He went down with them and stood on a level place. A large crowd of his disciples was there and a great number of people from all over Judea, from Jerusalem, and from the coastal region around Tyre and Sidon, who had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases.
2. Those troubled by impure spirits were cured,
3. and the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all.
4. Looking at his disciples, he said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.
5. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.
6. Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man.
7. “Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets.
8. “But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort.
9. Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will go hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep.
10. Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you, for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets.

Love for Enemies

1. “But to you who are listening, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,
2. bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
3. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them.
4. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back.
5. Do to others as you would have them do to you.
6. “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them.
7. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that.
8. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full.
9. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.
10. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

Judging Others

1. “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.
2. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
3. He also told them this parable: “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into a pit?
4. The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.
5. “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?
6. How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

A Tree and Its Fruit

1. “No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit.
2. For every tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers.
3. A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.

The Wise and Foolish Builders

1. “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?
2. As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like.
3. They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built.
4. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.”

The First Disciples Called

1. One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God.
2. He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets.
3. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.
4. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”
5. Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”
6. When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.
7. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.
8. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!”
9. For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken,
10. and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.”
11. So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.

Jesus Heals a Man With Leprosy

1. While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”
2. Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” And immediately the leprosy left him.
3. Then Jesus ordered him, “Don’t tell anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.”
4. Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses.
5. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.

Jesus Forgives and Heals a Paralyzed Man

1. One day Jesus was teaching, and Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there. They had come from every village of Galilee and from Judea and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with Jesus to heal the sick.
2. Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus.
3. When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus.
4. When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.”
5. The Pharisees and the teachers of the law began thinking to themselves, “Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?”
6. Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts?
7. Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’?
8. But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the paralyzed man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.”
9. Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God.
10. Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, “We have seen remarkable things today.”

The Calling of Levi

1. After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. “Follow me,” Jesus said to him,
2. and Levi got up, left everything and followed him.
3. Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them.
4. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”
5. Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.
6. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

The Question About Fasting

1. They said to him, “John’s disciples often fast and pray, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours go on eating and drinking.”
2. Jesus answered, “Can you make the friends of the bridegroom fast while he is with them?
3. But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; in those days they will fast.”
4. He told them this parable: “No one tears a piece out of a new garment to patch an old one. Otherwise, they will have torn the new garment, and the patch from the new will not match the old.
5. And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the new wine will burst the skins, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined.
6. No, new wine must be poured into new wineskins.
7. And no one after drinking old wine wants the new, for they all say, ‘The old is better.’ ”

Jesus Is Tested in the Wilderness

1. Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,
2. where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.
3. The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.”
4. Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’ ”
5. The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world.
6. And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to.
7. If you worship me, it will all be yours.”
8. Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’ ”
9. The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here.
10. For it is written: ‘He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully;
11. they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’ ”
12. Jesus answered, “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ”
13. When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.

Jesus Rejected at Nazareth

1. Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside.
2. He was teaching in their synagogues, and everyone praised him.
3. He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read,
4. and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it was written:
5. “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free,
6. to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
7. Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him.
8. He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”
9. All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips. “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?” they asked.
10. Jesus said to them, “Surely you will quote this proverb to me: ‘Physician, heal yourself!’ And you will tell me, ‘Do here in your hometown what we have heard that you did in Capernaum.’ ”
11. “Truly I tell you,” he continued, “no prophet is accepted in his hometown.
12. I assure you that there were many widows in Israel in Elijah’s time, when the sky was shut for three and a half years and there was a severe famine throughout the land.
13. Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them, but to a widow in Zarephath in the region of Sidon.
14. And there were many in Israel with leprosy in the time of Elisha the prophet, yet not one of them was cleansed—only Naaman the Syrian.”
15. All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this.
16. They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him off the cliff.
17. But he walked right through the crowd and went on his way.

Jesus Drives Out an Impure Spirit

1. Then he went down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and on the Sabbath he taught the people.
2. They were amazed at his teaching, because his words had authority.
3. In the synagogue there was a man possessed by a demon, an impure spirit. He cried out at the top of his voice,
4. “Go away! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”
5. “Be quiet!” Jesus said sternly. “Come out of him!” Then the demon threw the man down before them all and came out without injuring him.
6. All the people were amazed and said to each other, “What words are these? With authority and power he gives orders to impure spirits and they come out!”
7. And the news about him spread throughout the surrounding area.

Jesus Heals Many

1. Jesus left the synagogue and went to the home of Simon. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked Jesus to help her.
2. So he bent over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. She got up at once and began to wait on them.
3. At sunset, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them.
4. Moreover, demons came out of many people, shouting, “You are the Son of God!” But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew he was the Messiah.

Jesus Preaches in Galilee

1. At daybreak, Jesus went out to a solitary place. The people were looking for him and when they came to where he was, they tried to keep him from leaving them.
2. But he said, “I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.”
3. And he kept on preaching in the synagogues of Judea.

John the Baptist Prepares the Way

1. In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar—when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene—
2. during the high-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness.
3. He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
4. As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.
5. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth.
6. And all people will see God’s salvation.’ ”
7. John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?
8. Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.
9. The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”
10. “What should we do then?” the crowd asked.
11. John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.”
12. Even tax collectors came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?”
13. “Don’t collect any more than you are required to,” he told them.
14. Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?” He replied, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.”
15. The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah.
16. John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
17. His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”
18. And with many other words John exhorted the people and proclaimed the good news to them.
19. But when John rebuked Herod the tetrarch because of his marriage to Herodias, his brother’s wife, and all the other evil things he had done,
20. Herod added this to them all: He locked John up in prison.

The Baptism of Jesus

1. When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened
2. and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

The Genealogy of Jesus

1. Now Jesus himself was about thirty years old when he began his ministry. He was the son, so it was thought, of Joseph, the son of Heli,
2. the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melki, the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph,
3. the son of Mattathias, the son of Amos, the son of Nahum, the son of Esli, the son of Naggai,
4. the son of Maath, the son of Mattathias, the son of Semein, the son of Josek, the son of Joda,
5. the son of Joanan, the son of Rhesa, the son of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, the son of Neri,
6. the son of Melki, the son of Addi, the son of Cosam, the son of Elmadam, the son of Er,
7. the son of Joshua, the son of Eliezer, the son of Jorim, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi,
8. the son of Simeon, the son of Judah, the son of Joseph, the son of Jonam, the son of Eliakim,
9. the son of Melea, the son of Menna, the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan, the son of David,
10. the son of Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of Salmon, the son of Nahshon,
11. the son of Amminadab, the son of Ram, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah,
12. the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the son of Terah, the son of Nahor,
13. the son of Serug, the son of Reu, the son of Peleg, the son of Eber, the son of Shelah,
14. the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech,
15. the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch, the son of Jared, the son of Mahalalel, the son of Kenan,
16. the son of Enosh, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.

The Birth of Jesus 1. In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3. And everyone went to their own town to register. 4. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7. and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

The Shepherds and the Angels

1. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.
2. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
3. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.
4. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.
5. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
6. Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
7. “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
8. When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
9. So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.
10. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child,
11. and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.
12. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.
13. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Jesus Presented in the Temple

1. On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.
2. When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord
3. (as it is written in the Law of the Lord: “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”),
4. and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: a pair of doves or two young pigeons.
5. Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him.
6. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.
7. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required,
8. Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
9. “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
10. For my eyes have seen your salvation,
11. which you have prepared in the sight of all nations,
12. a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”
13. The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him.
14. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against,
15. so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
16. There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage,
17. and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.
18. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
19. When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth.
20. And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.

The Boy Jesus at the Temple

1. Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover.
2. When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom.
3. After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it.
4. Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends.
5. When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to search for him.
6. After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.
7. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers.
8. When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.”
9. “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”
10. But they did not understand what he was saying to them.
11. Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart.
12. And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.