Jesus' Hometown of Nazareth Rejects Him and So He Dwells in Capernaum
Nazareth Rejects Jesus for the First Time
Now Herod, the governor of Galilee,1 being rebuked by John the Baptist concerning him having his brother Philip's wife, Herodias,2 and for all the other evil he had done; above all, he added to this by throwing John into prison (2:7L 3:19-202:8).
2 And so after Jesus spent the two days with the Samaritans, while he was still there, when He heard about what had happened to John, He left that area and in the power of the Spirit returned to Galilee, where He taught in their congregations, proclaiming the good news of God, and being glorified by everyone. This news concerning him went out into all the neighboring towns (2:18M 4:123:9, 2:18K 1:14a3:11, 2:18L 4:14-15, 2:109J 4:43).
3 But when He came into Nazareth of Galilee, the town where He had grown up, on the day of rest (the Sabbath), as His custom was, He entered the congregation and stood up to read. He was given the scroll of Isaiah the prophet. And having opened the scroll, He found the place where it is written,3
Then he rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the attendant, and sat down (L 4:16-20a).
4 The eyes of everyone in the congregation were fixed, gazing at Him. . . . Then He began to say, "Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing" (L 4:20b-21).
5 They all testified concerning Him, amazed at the gracious words coming from His mouth,6 saying, "Is this not Joseph's son?" (L 4:22).
6 He said, "You will all certainly quote this proverb to me, 'Physician, heal yourself. Everything we heard you do in Capernaum, do it here in your country also.'"7 Then He said, "I guarantee you, no prophet is accepted in his own hometown, among his own people. For I tell you the truth, there were many widows in Israel in Elijah's day, when the heavens were shut up for three and a half years, causing a sever famine throughout the whole land. However, Elijah was not sent to any of them. He was, instead, sent to a widow in Zarephath, in the area of Sidon (1 Kings 17:7-24). There were also many lepers in Israel in the days of the prophet Elisha, but none of them were cleansed except Naaman – and he was a Syrian (2 Kings 5:1-27) " (L 4:23-27).
7 When they heard this, everyone in the congregation was filled with impuls ive anger. They all got up to throw Him out of the city, leading Him to the edge of the hill on which their town was built. They were going to throw Him down over the cliff, but He just walked in-between them and went on His way. And so it was, Jesus Himself told us that a prophet is not valued among his own family and among his own neighbors8 (L 4:28-30, J 4:44).
8 So then, except for Nazareth, when he had come into Galilee, the Galileans welcomed Him, having seen everything He had just done in Jerusalem during the feast, since they had also gone up to the feast (J 4:45).
9 And so leaving Nazareth, He came and settled in the town of Capernaum (which was by the Sea of Galilee, within the boundaries of Zebulun and Naphtali) to fulfill that which was given through the prophet Isaiah, when he said:
Out by the Jordan,
In Galilee of the gentiles,
The people seated there in darkness have seen a great light.
To those seated in the shadow of death,
Light has dawned."
(Isaiah 9:1-2)
11 From then on, Jesus proclaimed the good news of God, saying, "The time is here. For the kingdom of God9 has come close to you. Therefore, turn from your sinful thinking10 and believe the good news" (M 4:173:18, 3:2K 1:14b-153:18).
Jesus Does His Second Sign in Galilee While at Cana
In Cana, Jesus Does His Second Sign
12 While He was on His way down to Capernaum from Nazareth, He came again to Cana of Galilee where he had made the water into wine. When a man of royalty, who had a son in Capernaum that was sick, heard that Jesus had come from Judea into Galilee, he came and asked Jesus to come down and heal his son, for he was about to die.
13 Jesus said to him, "Unless you see signs and miracles, you will not believe" (J 4:46-48).
14 "Sir, come down before my child dies!" the nobleman said (J 4:49).
15 "You can go home ; your son is alive," Jesus told him (J 4:50a).
16 The man trusted in what Jesus had said and went home. Then, already on his way going down back to Capernaum, his servants met him and said, "Your son is alive and well !" (J 4:50b-51).
17 He asked them what time it was the boy had become well, and they said, "The fever broke yesterday at 7 PM."11 The father knew then, at that time, that it was at the same hour when Jesus told him, "Your son is alive." And so he believed, he and everyone living in his house (J 4:52-53).
18 This, then, is the second sign Jesus had done in Galilee, having just come back from Judea providing signs there12 (J 4:54 3:167).
Jesus Calls Peter, Andrew, John, and Jacob to Follow Him
sus Calls Peter, John, James, and Andrew to Follow Him
19 Leaving Nazareth and having gone through Cana, He then went down into a city in Galilee called Capernaum. As He walked along the Lake, called Gennesaret, He saw two brothers, Simon, the one called Peter, and his brother, Andrew. They were on the shore casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen.13 Also, a little further down from there, He saw Jacob and John in their boat, washing and mending their nets14 (3:11M 4:18, 21a, 3:11K 1:16, 19, 3:7L 4:31a15).
20 While Jesus was there, the crowd pressed about Him to hear the word of God. And as He was standing by the lake,16 He saw these two boats resting on the shore. The fishermen who were in the second boat had by then17 stepped out to wash their nets (3:37L 5:1-2).18
21 Jesus got into one of the boats, which was Simon's, and asked him to push out a little from the land. From there, He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat (L 5:3).
22 Once He stopped speaking, He said to Simon, "Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch" (L 5:4).
23 Simon said, "Captain, we have labored all night long and caught nothing. However, because you have told me to, I will let them down." When they did, they caught such a large number of fish that the nets began to break. Peter and Andrew19 waved to their partners who had the other boat to come and help. When they came, they filled the boats until they both began to sink. Seeing this, Simon Peter fell down at Jesus' knees and said, "Go and leave me here, Lord, for I am a sinful man" (L 5:5-8).
24 Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid, for from now on you will be catching men" (L 5:10b).25 And so it was, not only Peter, but all those who were with him were amazed at the amount of fish they had just caught and collected, including Jacob and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And it was with this that Jesus called them, saying, "Follow Me and I will make you fishermen of men." At that instant, bringing their boats to the shore, Jacob and John left their father with the boat and the hired servants. And all four of them, Jacob, John, Andrew, and Peter, now leaving everything, followed Jesus (M 4:19-20, 21b-22 3:65; K 1:17-183:18, 3:1820; L 5:9-10a, 113:38).
An Unclean Spirit Obeys Jesus
26 Immediately after that, on the Sabbath, Jesus went into the congregation to teach the people. But they were startled from His teaching, because His word had authority, unlike the scribes (K 1:21-22, 3:7L 4:31b-3220).
27 There was also a man in the congregation with an unclean, demonic, spirit who cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Aghh!21 Who are we to You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did you come here to destroy us? We know you are the Holy One of God!" (K 1:23-24, L 4:33-34).
28 Jesus scolded him, saying, "Be silent and come out of him!" (K 1:25, L 4:35a).
29 To which the unclean, demonic, spirit threw the man down into convulsions, in front of everybody, and with a loud cry came out of the man without hurting him (K 1:26, L 4:35b).
30 Being astounded by all this, the people began to discuss among themselves, saying, "What is this new teaching? His words are with power and authority, commanding even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him" (K 1:27, L 4:36).
31 And so this report went out into all the towns and villages of Galilee (K 1:28, L 4:37).
Jesus Heals Peter's Mother-in-law
32 Just after this happened, Jesus got up, left the congregation, and came into the house of Simon and Andrew, along with Jacob and John. All four of them were now following Jesus. But Simon's mother-in-law was sick and in bed with a very high fever. As soon as Jesus came into the house, they told Him about her, making a request concerning her. He went over to her, raised her up by the hand, and commanded the fever to leave. At that very moment, the fever left her, and she began to serve them22 (3:139M 8:14-15, K 1:29-31, L 4:38-39).
33 Later on that same day, in the evening, as the sun was setting,23 everyone who had any family or friends with any kind of disease, including those demon possessed, brought them to Jesus. He laid His hand on every one of them and healed them. He had cast out spirits with a word so that the whole city was gathered together at the door. All this to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah, when he said,
(M 8:16-174:51, K 1:32-34a, L 4:40)
35 With only a word, the demons came out of many, crying out, "You are the Messiah, the Son of God!" But He scolded them, not allowing them to speak. He did not allow this because they knew He was the Anointed One (K 1:34b, L 4:41).
Jesus Goes to a Deserted Place, and His Disciples Look for Him
36 Early in the morning, long before the sunrise, Jesus got up, left the house, and went out into a solitary place to pray. Simon, and those who were with him, searched for Jesus.24 When they found Him, they told Him, "Everyone is looking for You" (K 1:35-37, L 4:42a).
37 (This was because the people who were asking where He was, were trying to keep Him from leaving) (L 4:42b).
38 But He said, "Lets go. We are going into the other towns as well. They also need Me to tell them the good news concerning the Kingdom of God. For this is the reason I have been sent" (K 1:38, L 4:43).
39 Having said this, He went throughout all Galilee,25 and into the congregations of the Jews, preaching and casting out demons (K 1:39, L 4:443:19).
Religious Leader's Begin to Seek to Destroy Jesus Because He Exposes the Real Motives of Their Hearts
A Paralytic Lowered Through the Roof
40 Jesus crossed over again in a boat and came back into Capernaum, the city where He was staying (see Matthew 4:13). And in those days,26 as He was there, teaching, some Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting by Him. They had come to Him from every town in Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem. And the Lord's power was there to heal them (4:72M 9:1, 3:40K 2:1, L 5:17).
41 Once it had been heard that He was in Peter's house, many more people quickly gathered until there was no more room for them, to where they couldn't even get near the door. While they were there, Jesus spoke the word to them (K 2:2).
42 Then, behold, four men came to Him bringing a man who was paralyzed, carrying him on a mat. They were trying to bring him in so that Jesus could see him. But when they could not find a way to get close because of the crowds of people, they found the place on the roof that was over the area where Jesus was sitting. They took away sections of the roof and lowered the man on his mat down from where they had broken through so that he was lying right in front of Jesus (M 9:2a, K 2:3-4, L 5:18-19).
43 Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralytic, "Be encouraged child, your sins are forgiven" (M 9:2b, K 2:5, L 5:20).
44 Then, behold, some of the scribes and Pharisees who were there began to think to themselves, "This is blaspheme! What kind of a man is He speaking blasphemies like this? Who can take away sin? Only God can do that !" (M 9:3, K 2:6-7, L 5:21).
45 Jesus, immediately, knowing in His Spirit, seeing that they were reasoning this way within themselves, said, "Why does this bother you? Which is easier to say, 'Your sins are taken away,' or 'Get up, take your mat and go?' But so that you will see that the Son of Man has the authority on the earth to take away sin . . ." Then Jesus said to the paralyzed man, "Like I said, get up and pick up your mat. You can go home" (M 9:4-6, K 2:8-11, L 5:22-24).
46 At that very moment, the man got up in front of them, picked up the mat he had been lying on and left, where they could all see him. He went home glorifying God (M 9:7, K 2:12a, L 5:25).
47 When the crowd saw this, they were all made to be as if they were standing beside themselves. They glorified God who had given such power to men, being filled with fear, saying, "We have seen strange things today! We have never seen anything like this!" (M 9:8, K 2:12b, L 5:26).
Matthew Is Called and Follows Jesus
48 After this, Jesus went back out along the Sea of Galilee, as the whole crowd came with Him, and He taught them (K 2:13).
49 As He passed by the tax office, He saw a tax collector named Levi (who is also called Matthew), the son of Alphaeus, sitting to collect taxes. Jesus said to him, "Follow Me." Levi got up, left everything, and followed Him (M 9:9, K 2:14, L 5:27-28).
50 Levi invited Jesus to his house and threw a huge feast. As Jesus was sitting at the table, behold, many tax collectors, and others who had also come to Him, were sitting together with Him and His disciples, for there were many who followed Him. Then, because the scribes and Pharisees saw Him eating with these tax collectors and sinners, they complained to His disciples, saying, "Why do you and your Teacher eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?" (M 9:10-11, K 2:15-16, L 5:29-30).
51 When Jesus heard this, He said, "Those who are well do not need a doctor, only those who are sick. For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners to change the direction their hearts are taking them.27 And so you, go and learn what this means:
(M 9:12-134:78, K 2:174:78, L 5:31-324:78)
Pharisees Ask Jesus, "Why Do Your Disciples Pick and Eat Grain on the Sabbath?"
52 Around this time, at the time of the harvest, Jesus, on the Sabbath, went ahead to walk through the sown fields.29 As they did, His disciples were hungry and began to pick the grain, rubbing them in their hands (to remove the husks) so that they could eat the seeds. When some of the Pharisees saw this, they said to Him, "Look, Your disciples are not keeping the Sabbath! They are doing something not lawful to do" (7:21M 12:1-2, 4:81K 2:23-24, 4:82L 6:1-2).
53 Jesus said, "Have you forgotten30 the passage, when David and those who were with him were hungry and needed food, how he went into God's House, to the High Priest Abiathar, and took the bread of the presence, which only the priests are allowed to eat? He even gave some to the men who were with him" ( [need link] 1 Samuel 21:1-6) (M 12:3-4, K 2:25-26, L 6:3-4).
54 "Or don't you remember31 how, according to the Torah, even the Priests in the House of God break the Sabbath to do the work required there, and they do not become guilty? But now, I tell you, there is One here who is greater than the House of God. And if you had known what 'I desire mercy more than sacrifice ( [need link] Hosea 6:6)' meant, you would not have condemned the innocent. Man was not made for the Sabbath, but the Sabbath was made for man. Therefore, the Son of Man32 is Lord even of the Sabbath" (M 12:5-8, K 2:27-283:56, L 6:5).
A Man with a Withered Hand Is Healed
55 After that, leaving there, and on a different Sabbath, Jesus went into their congregation again to teach. Then, behold, there was a man there who had a withered hand. It was his right hand. So the scribes and Pharisees watched the man closely to see if Jesus would heal him on the Sabbath. They wanted to find an accusation against Jesus. But He knew what it was they were thinking, and so He told the man with the withered hand, "Get up and stand here in front of us " (M 12:9-10a and c, 3:55K 3:1-3, L 6:6-8a).
57 When he did, the scribes and Pharisees asked Jesus, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath!?" (M 12:10b but not c, L 6:8b).
58 Jesus said, "Which one of you men, if you had a sheep and it fell into a pit on the Sabbath, would not go and pick it up to take it out? How much more, then, would you do this for a man?" (M 12:11-12a).
59 "What should you do on the Sabbath?" Jesus asked, "Should you do good, or should you do evil? Should you save life or kill?" (M 12:12b, K 3:4a, L 6:9).
61 Jesus looked around at all of them with anger, grieved by the blindness of their hearts. Then He said to the man, "Reach your hand out." He did, and it was restored as healthy as the other (M 12:13, K 3:5, L 6:10).
62 The scribes and Pharisees became completely foolish and began to discuss with one another about what they could do to Jesus to destroy Him. The Pharisees immediately went out and gave a council with the Herodians, plotting against Jesus (see James 4:4) (M 12:14, K 3:6, L 6:11).
63 Knowing this, Jesus left that area, as large crowds of people followed Him. He healed them all and yet warned them not to make this known about Him. This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah, when he said : (M 12:15-17)
My Beloved in whom My soul is well pleased!
I have put My Spirit upon Him,
To declare judgment to the Nations.
He will not quarrel.
Nor will He cry out in the streets for people to hear Him.
A reed that has been crushed,
He will not break off.
Though He will not extinguish a smoking wick
Until judgment is established on earth.34
People from every nation
Will trust in His name."35
(Isaiah 42:1-4)
Large Numbers of People Are Healed, While Jesus Teaches By the Sea
65 After this, Jesus went back with His disciples to the Sea of Galilee, as large numbers of people from all over Galilee followed Him. They followed Him after He had gone into each of their towns and villages, and into their congregations, teaching them, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and all the different kinds of weaknesses they had among them (3:23M 4:23, K 3:7).
66 His fame had also gone throughout all Syria so that they also brought to Him all theirs who were sick and afflicted with various diseases and torments, those who were demon-possessed, epileptic, and paralytic. He healed them all (M 4:24).
67 Large crowds of people followed Him from Galilee, Decapolis, all Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, and the other side of the Jordan River – even those from the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon. Many, many, people, when they heard how many things He was doing, came to Him (M 4:253:71, K 3:8, L 6:17b).
68 Then, because there was such a great multitude, He told His disciples to keep a small boat ready in case they began to crush Him. He had healed so many people that it came about that anyone who had any afflictions, they tried to grab hold of Him (K 3:9-10).
69 Also, whenever the unclean spirits saw Him, they fell down before Him, with their faces to the ground, and cried out, "You are the Son of God!" (K 3:11).
70 But, again, He sternly warned them not make this known about Him (K 3:12).
Jesus Appoints the Twelve as Apostles and then Commissions All His Disciples
Jesus Chooses the Twelve Apostles
71 At that time, it happened that He went out with His disciples36 to the mountain to pray, praying to God all night long. In the morning, He called the disciples He wanted with Him aside, and He sat down with the twelve of them. He called them apostles and appointed them to be with Him, so that He could send them out to proclaim the Kingdom of Heaven, to have authority to heal sicknesses, and cast out demons (M 5:1a3:74-86, K 3:13-15, L 6:12-13).
72 These were the twelve: Simon, whom He also named Peter, and his brother, Andrew; Jacob, the son of Zebedee, and his brother, John (to whom He gave the name Boanerges, which is a Hebrew phrase meaning "Sons of Rage").37 Then there was Philip, Bartholomew (probably also known as Nathaniel),38 Matthew, the Tax Collector (also called Levi), Thomas, Jacob, the son of Alphaeus,39 Judas, the son of Jacob (who is also called Thaddaeus), Simon the Zealot40, and Judas Iscariot (the one whom had also became a traitor,41 handing Jesus over to those who turned Him in to be crucified by the Romans )42 (K 3:16-194:1, L 6:14-16).
Jesus Teaches "The Sermon on the Mount"
73 Then He came down with them to stand on a level piece of ground (still on the mountain) with a large crowd of His disciples, along with large numbers of people who had come to hear Him and to be healed from their sicknesses, as well as those who were tormented with unclean spirits. They were all healed (L 6:17a & 18-19).
74 Seeing the multitudes, He looked out toward His disciples43 and taught:
75 "Blessed are the poor in spirit because the Kingdom of God belongs to them" (see Matthew 18:3-4).
76 "Blessed are those who are hungry now because they will be filled."
77 "Blessed are those who weep now, for they will laugh."
78 "Blessed are those who mourn because they will be comforted (see Ecclesiastes 7:2-4)."
79 "Those who are gentle are blessed because they are going to inherit the earth (see Psalm 37:11)."
80 "Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness are blessed because they will be satisfied."
81 "The merciful are blessed because they will receive mercy."
82 "The pure in heart are blessed because they will see God."
83 "The peacemakers are blessed because they will be called sons of God."
84 "And those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness are blessed because the kingdom of heaven belongs to them." (M 5:1b-10, L 6:20-21).
85 "You are blessed when men revile and persecute you, when they hate you, when they exclude you, and when they throw trash on your reputation, saying all kinds of evil against you on account of the Son of Man." (M 5:11, L 6:22).
86 "Therefore, rejoice and be extremely glad in that day. In fact, leap for joy, for, indeed, your reward in heaven is great. For so also did their fathers persecute the prophets who were before you" (M 5:123:91, L 6:23).
87 "Yet, woe to you who are wealthy because your wealth is keeping you from having anyone come along side of you "44 (L 6:24).
88 "Woe to you who are full now, for you will be hungry" (L 6:25a).
89 "Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep" (L 6:25b).
90 "Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for so also did their fathers do to the false prophets" (L 6:26).
You Are the Salt of the Earth
91 "You are the salt of the earth. If the salt becomes useless, what will it be used to salt?45 It has no use except to be thrown out and trampled under the feet of men" (M 5:13).
You Are the Light of the World
92 "As well, you are the light of the world! A city cannot be hidden if it is on top of a mountain, nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, he puts it on a lamp-stand so that it gives light to everyone who is in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men so they can see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven" (M 5:14-16).
Jesus Did Not Come to Destroy the Law but to Correct
Their Misunderstanding of it46 by Giving "The Sermon on the Mount"
Introduction
Jesus Did Not Come to Destroy the Law
93 "Now do not think I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. For I did not come to destroy, but to make it complete.47 And I guarantee you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one of the smallest letters, not even the smallest stroke of the pen will pass away until everything in it has occurred" (see 2 Peter 3:13 and Revelation 21:1-4) (M 5:17-18).
94 "Therefore, whoever breaks even the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do so also, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven (see Revelation 22:18-19). But whoever does what it says, and also teaches others to do so, he will be called great in the kingdom of heaven" ( (see Daniel 12:3) (M 5:19).
95 "For I tell you, unless your righteousness goes above and beyond the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees ( (see Matthew 23:26-28), you will certainly not get into the kingdom of heaven" (M 5:20).
How to Correctly Understand the Law: "Do Not Murder"
Anger is Murder of the Heart
96 "For example, You have heard how it was said a long time ago 'Do not murder' and 'Whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.' Well I tell you, it is more than that.48 Whoever is even angry towards his brother is held in judgment. And whoever says to his brother, 'You are worthless,'49 he is in danger of being disciplined by the council. But whoever says 'You fool!' he is in danger of being thrown into the valley of Hinnom, the place of never-ending pain and torment"50 (M 5:21-22).
97 "Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar and while you are there remember your brother has something against you, leave your gift offering there, before it goes on the altar, and go and be reconciled to your brother first. Then come and offer your gift. Quickly, be kind to your adversary while you are still in the situation with him, or else he may deliver you up to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the officer who will throw you into prison. For I guarantee you, you will certainly not get out of there until you have paid the very last penny" (M 5:23-26).
How to Correctly Understand the Law, "Do Not Commit Adultery"
Adultery of the Heart
98 "You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' Well I tell you, it is deeper than that. In fact,51 whoever even looks at a woman – to lust for her – has already committed adultery with her in his heart" (M 5:27-28).
99 "And if your right eye causes you harm, pluck it out and throw it away from you.52 For it is better for you if only one of your members were to perish than for your whole body to be thrown into the valley of Hinnom, the place of never-ending pain and torment."53 And if your right hand causes you harm, cut it off and throw it away from you. For it is better if only one of your members were to perish than for your whole body to be thrown into the valley of Hinnom" (M 5:29-30).
Divorce Equals Adultery
(number one)
100 "It has also been said, 'Whoever wants to set his wife free, let him give her a certificate of divorce ( (see Deuteronomy 24:1-4).'54 Well I tell you, whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality, causes her to have committed adultery.55 And whoever marries a woman who is divorced, he is presently in adultery with her " (M 5:31-32).
Let Your 'Yes' Be 'Yes' and Your 'No,' 'No'
101 "Again, you have heard how it was said a long time ago, 'Do not make a vow you do not plan to keep, but give to the Lord whatever it is you have promised (Probably a distortion of Ecclesiastes 5:4-5).' Well I tell you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, which is God's throne; nor by the earth, which is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, which is the city of the great King. You should also not swear by your own head because you cannot make even one hair black or white. But let your words be 'Yes,' 'Yes' and your 'No,' 'No.' For anything more than this comes from the evil one" (M 5:33-37).
How to Treat Your Enemies
'An Eye for an Eye'
102 "Again, you have heard it said 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth ( (see Exodus 21:24-27) ' as an excuse for seeking revenge.56 However, I tell you, do not resist an evil person: Whoever slaps you on the right cheek, let him slap the other one as well. If anyone wants to sue you for your pants, give him your shirt also. Whoever wants you to go with him one mile, go with him two. If anyone asks for something from you, give it to him. If anyone wants to borrow from you, do not refuse to lend it to him. And if anyone takes away any of your things, do not ask for them back" (M 5:38-42, L 6:29-30).
Love Your Enemy
103 "You have also heard it said, 'You should love those who are close to you, and hate those hostile to you57 (This is not a verse in Scripture).' Well, I say to whoever is listening, love those who are hostile to you, and do kind things for those who hate you. Bless those who curse you, and pray for those who revile and persecute you. Treat people the same way you want them to treat you so that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. For He has His sun rising on the good and the bad, and He sends His rain on the righteous as well as the unrighteous" (M 5:43-45, L 6:27-28 & 31).
104 "If you only love those who love you, what value is there in that?" Isn't that even what the tax collectors do? Even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what is your reward? Even sinners do that. If you welcome your brethren only, what do you do more than the Gentiles ? Do not even the other nations do that? And if you lend, expecting to receive it back, what reward do you have? Even sinners lend to sinners as long as they get it back" (M 5:46-47, L 6:32-34).
105 "But you, love your enemies. Do good and lend without expecting anything in return, and you will have many rewards. And it is in this that you will be living as sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the ungrateful as well as to those who are bad.58 Therefore, be compassionate according to the compassion of your Father. You are to be completely perfect, just as your Father in heaven is completely perfect" ( (see Matthew 3:13-14) (M 5:483:106, L 6:35-36).
Obey the Law but Not Only for Appearance
Do Not Do Things to be Seen by Men (Part A)
106 "However, make sure you do not do your acts of mercy to be seen by men; otherwise, you have no benefit with your Father in heaven. For example, whenever you do something merciful, do not sound a trumpet, announcing it like the hypocrites do. They do this to make sure their deeds are known in the congregations and in the crowded streets, in order to receive glory from men. But I guarantee you, they have no reward" (M 6:1-2).
107 "When you do something merciful, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing so that your act of mercy will be done privately. Then your Father who sees what you have done in private will reward you" (M 6:3-4).
108 "Also, when you pray, you should not be like the hypocrites who love to pray standing in the congregations, and on the busy street corners, so that people will see them. For I guarantee you, they have no reward" (M 6:5).
109 "When you pray, go into your room and shut the door. Pray to your Father who is there in private, and your Father who sees you privately will reward you" (M 6:6).
110 "Also, when you pray, do not babble on like the pagans. For they think they will be heard if they use a lot of words. Therefore, do not be like them. Your Father knows the needs you have before you even ask" (M 6:7-8).
How to Pray
The Lord Teaches How We Should Pray
111 "This, therefore, is how you should pray:
Our Father in heaven, Your name is Holy and Set-apart. Let Your kingdom become more and more a reality in our lives,59 with Your will being done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us, today, our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive those indebted to us. Lead us not into temptation,60 but draw us to you, away from the evil one." (M 6:9-13).61
Forgive and You Will Be Forgiven
112 "If you forgive other men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive you" (M 6:14-15).
Do Not Do Things to Be Seen by Men (Part B)
113 "When you fast, do not do it like the hypocrites do, with a sad face. They disfigure their faces so that people will know they are fasting. But I guarantee you they have no reward. When you fast, anoint your head, and wash your face, so that people cannot see that you are fasting. Do it so that only your Father who is unseen can see, and your Father who sees what is done privately will reward you" (M 6:16-18).
Lay Up Treasures in Heaven
114 "Do not store up treasures for yourself on earth, where moth and rot destroy them, and where thieves can break in and steal them. Rather, store up treasures for yourselves in heaven, where neither moth nor rot destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. Because wherever your treasure is, that is where your heart will be also" (M 6:19-21).
The Eye Is the Lamp of the Body
115 "No one lights a lamp and then hides it, or puts it under a basket. Just the opposite, he puts it on a lamp-stand so that those who come in can see the light. The lamp of the body is the eye; therefore, if your eye is generous,62 your whole body is full of light. But if your eye is ungiving,63 then your whole body is full of darkness. So think about it, if there is no light in you, but only darkness, how great is that darkness? But if your whole body is full of light, having no part of it dark, then your whole body is lit up, just as the brightness of a shining lamp, when it shines and gives you light" (M 6:22-23, 4:17L 11:33-367:57).64
You Cannot Serve God and Mammon
116 "No one can serve two masters: he will either hate one of them and love the other, or else he will be devoted to the one and think nothing of the other. You cannot serve both God and riches"65 (M 6:247:84)
How We are to Live According to the Law When Applying it to Each Other
As You Judge, You Will Be Judged
117 "Also, do not judge others so that you will not be judged. For with the same amount of judgment you use, you will receive as much in return. Do not condemn others, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you – a good measure packed down and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the same measure you use, it will be measured back to you" (7:87M 7:1-2, 3:105L 6:37-38).
"The Blind Leading the Blind"
118 Then He gave them a verbal picture to go along with what He was teaching,66 saying,
119 "Can a blind man lead another blind man? Won't both of them fall into a ditch? Well, in the same way, a student is not above his teacher. But anyone who has finished his training will be like his teacher" (L 6:39-40).
"Remove the Log from Your Eye"
120 "Now why do you focus on the small sliver in your brother's eye, but then not even notice the full log in your own? How can you tell your brother, 'Brother, let me take the sliver out of your eye,' when you don't even see the whole log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, then you will be able to see clearly enough to remove the speck from your brother's eye" (see James 4:11-12) (M 7:3-5, L 6:41-42).
Don't Throw Your Pearls before Swine
121 "Do not give what is holy to the dogs,67 and do not throw your pearls to swine. For if you do, they will trample them with their feet and then come and tear you to pieces"68 (M 7:6 7:43).
This is the Law and the Prophets
122 "Therefore, having said all this, treat people the same way you want them to treat you. For this is the teaching of the Law and the Prophets" (7:45M 7:12).
The Seriousness of Obeying the Law Correctly
Narrow is the Path that Leads to Eternal Life
123 "Go in through the narrow gate, for the gate that opens to the path of destruction is wide, and a lot of people go through that gate. But the gate is narrow, and there is much affliction on the path that leads to life,69 and there are very few people who find it" (M 7:13-14).
A Tree is Known by its Fruit
124 "At the same time, beware of false prophets, who come to you disguised as sheep, because underneath the mask they are simply hungry wolves ready to devour. You will recognize them by their fruits" (M 7:15-16a).
125 "Can you pick grapes from thorn bushes or figs from a tall prickly weed? Well, in the same way, only good trees can grow good fruit, but a rotten tree produces bad. A good tree cannot grow bad fruit and a rotten tree cannot grow good fruit. And all trees are known by the fruit they bear" (M 7:16b-18, L 6:43-44).
126 "In the same way, a good man, from the good things he treasures in his heart, will bring forth good. And an evil man, from the evil he treasures in his heart, will bring forth evil. For people speak from overflow of their heart" (L 6:45).
127 "And every tree that does not grow good fruit is eventually cut down and thrown into the fire. So be careful. You will recognize them by their fruits" (M 7:19-20).
Not Everyone Who Says to Me, 'Lord, Lord'
Will Enter the Kingdom of Heaven
128 "Now why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord' and do not do what I say? For not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord' will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who do the will of My Father in heaven. For in that day – the day of judgment – many people will say to Me, 'Lord, Lord haven't we prophesied in Your name and in Your name cast out demons? Haven't we done many things in Your name?' But I will say the same to them,70 'I never knew you! Go away from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'" (M 7:21-23, L 6:46).
The Wise Man Built His House Upon a Rock
129 "However, whoever hears Me, comes to Me, and does what I say, I will show you what he is like: he is like a wise man, who, when he wanted to build a house, dug down deep until he hit rock. Then, once he hit rock, he laid his foundation there71 so that when the rains came, the river flooded, and the winds blew against the house, even that could not shake it or knock it down because its foundation had been placed on the rock"72 (M 7:24-25, L 6:47-48).
130 "Therefore, everyone who hears what I say and does not do it, he is like a foolish man who built a house on the sand. Its foundation, not being on the rock, when the water came down, the river came rushing, and as the winds blew against the house, it fell completely ruining the house" (M 7:26-27, L 6:493:133).
The People's Response
131 After Jesus had finished saying all these things, the people were astonished because He taught them as one having authority, not like their scribes (M 7:28-29).
132 And so it was, coming down from the mountain, large crowds of people followed Him (M 8:1).
A Leper Healed
133 As he went into one of the cities, behold, a man full of leprosy saw Him. The man came, fell on his knees, with his face to the ground, and worshipped Him. He told Jesus what it was he wanted.73 "Lord, if it is Your will,"he said, "You have the power to make me clean" (M 8:2, K 1:40, 3:23L 5:12).
134 Jesus' heart being moved, He reached out, put His hands onto the man, and said, "I am willing. Be clean." At that moment, the leprosy was gone. Then Jesus sent him on his way and strongly ordered him: "See to it that you do not speak to anyone. But go and show yourself to the priest and bring the required offering, the gift-sacrifice for being cleansed. Do this just as Moses has commanded (Leviticus 14:1-32) and as a testimony to them" (M 8:3-43:135, K 1:41-44, L 5:13-14).
135 However, the man74 began to go out and proclaim it to a lot of people so that this report concerning Jesus went out all over. It went all over until large crowds of people gathered around to listen, and to have Him heal their weaknesses. In fact, this report was so widespread Jesus was not even able to go into the cities freely anymore. He had to go out into the desolate areas to pray (K 1:453:41, L 5:15-16).
Jesus' Ministry is Misunderstood
A Centurion's Servant Healed
136 Once He had completed saying all these things for the people to hear, coming down from the mountain, He entered Capernaum (3:130L 7:1).
137 Coming into Capernaum, a Roman officer, an officer in the position of authority over a hundred soldiers, had a servant who was special to him, and who was also sick and ready to die. When this man heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders to Him to ask Him to come and heal his servant, saying, "Lord, a servant boy of mine is lying at home paralyzed and suffering very badly" (L 7:2-3).
138 The elders came to Jesus and diligently encouraged Him to come and heal the boy for this man, saying, "He is worthy of it, for he loves our nation and has built us our synagogue" (3:39M 8:5-6, L 7:4-5).
139 "I will come and heal him," Jesus said. Then Jesus went with them (M 8:7, L 7:6a).
140 But before He even got near the house, the centurion sent friends to Him to say, "Lord, do not trouble Yourself. I am not fit for You to come into my house. I do not even think I am worthy enough to approach You myself, but only say the word and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man placed in a position of authority, with soldiers under me. And I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes, and to another, 'Come here,' and he comes, and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it" (M 8:8-9, L 7:6b-8).
141 When Jesus heard this, He was amazed. He turned around and said to the crowd following Him, "I tell you, and this is for sure, I have not found anyone in Israel with this much faith! And I also tell you, many will come from the east and the west to recline with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the sons of the kingdom will be thrown out of the kingdom into outer darkness, a place where there will be continual sorrow and torment, a place with people weeping and clenching their teeth in pain" (M 8:10-12, L 7:9).
142 Then Jesus said to the centurion, "As you were. Let it happen for you just as you have believed." And the servant was healed at that very hour (M 8:133:30).
143 Those who were sent, returned to the house and found the servant well (L 7:10).
A Widows Son Healed in Nain
144 Then it happened, on the next day, traveling into a city called Nain with many of His disciples and a large crowd, as they came near the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man being carried out. He was the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. There was also a large crowd from the city with her (L 7:11-12).
145 When the Lord saw her, He had compassion for her and said, "Do not cry." Then He came and put His hand on the board the man was lying on. Those carrying it stopped. Then He said: "Young man, I tell you, get up!" The man that was dead, got up and started talking. Jesus gave him back to his mother (L 7:13-15).
146 Immediately, the people all became fearful and glorified God, saying, "A great prophet has risen up from among us!" as well as, "God has visited His people!" And this report about Him went out throughout all Judea and all that surrounding area (L 7:16-17).
John the Baptist Sends Messengers to Jesus from Prison
147 And so it was, John the Baptist's disciples reported all these things to him while he was in prison. And when he heard of all the works Messiah was doing, he called two of his disciples and sent them to Jesus, saying, "Are You the One who is coming, or are we expecting someone else?" (5:59M 11:2, L 7:18-19).
148 Then coming along side of Jesus, the men said, "John the Baptist sent us to ask You if You are the One coming, or are we expecting someone else?" (M 11:3, L 7:20).
149 At that very hour, Jesus healed many sicknesses, afflictions, and evil spirits. And to many who were blind, He freely gave them sight (L 7:21).
150 Then Jesus said to the two men, "Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: The blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor hear the good news. And blessed is he who does not stumble because of Me" (M 11:4-6, L 7:22-23).
151 Then, as they left, Jesus began to say to the crowd about John. (M 11:7a, L 7:24a)
152
"What did you go out into the wilderness to see, a reed shaken by the wind? But what did you go out to see – a man dressed in nice clothing? Indeed, those who are dressed in dashing clothes live in luxury and in kings' homes. But what did you go out to see – a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. For this is whom it is written about, where it says,
One who will prepare Your way ahead of You.'"
(Malachi 3:1)
153 "For I guarantee you, among those born from a woman, there has not risen a greater prophet than John the Baptist. However, the one who is the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he is.75 For from the days of John's immersion, even until now, the kingdom of heaven persists. And a persistent man seizes the opportunity afforded by it.76 For all the prophets and the law prophesied up to John. And if you are willing to receive it, he is Elijah who is to come.77 Whoever has an ear, let him hear!" (M 11:11-15, L 7:28).
154 Then when all the people heard this, they – some of them even being tax-collectors – were a testimony of God's righteousness by the fact that they had been immersed by John in his baptism. The Pharisees, however, as well as those who are educated in the law, rejected God's council, because they, themselves, did not go to be immersed by him (L 7:29-30).
155
Then Jesus said, "What shall I compare this generation to – what are they like?78 They are like children at the marketplace calling to each other, saying,
We mourned and you did not cry with us.'"
156 "John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, 'He has a demon.' The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, 'Look, this man is a glutton and a wine drinker, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!'" (M 11:18-19a, L 7:33-34).
157 "Well I tell you, wisdom is declared true by the works it produces" 79 (M 11:19b7:14, L 7:35).
First Time a Woman Anoints the Feet of Jesus
158 Then one of the Pharisees asked Jesus to eat with him, and so He went to the Pharisee's house and reclined at the table to eat (L 7:36).
159 Then behold, a woman from that city, who was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus was reclining at the table in the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster jar80 full of a fragrant oil and stood behind Him, at His feet, crying. With her tears she began to wash His feet and wipe them dry with her hair, while also lovingly kissing and anointing them with the oil (L 7:37-38).
160 When the Pharisee who had invited Jesus saw this, he said within himself, "If this man were a prophet, He would know what kind of woman this is touching Him and where she is from. For she is a sinner!" (L 7:39).
161 Jesus said to the Pharisee, "Simon, I have something to say." (L 7:40a).
162 "Say it, Teacher" (L 7:40b).
163 "There was a certain man who lent money to two other men: one owed five hundred days worth of pay and the other fifty. When they were not able to repay it, he freely canceled the debt for both of them. So then, from this, who do you think loved him more?" (L 7:41-42).
164 Simon answered, "The one whom received more kindness" (L 7:43a).
165 "You have judged correctly," Jesus said. Then Jesus turned to the woman and said, "Do you see this woman? I came into your house, and you did not give me any water for My feet. But she has washed My feet with her tears and wiped them dry with the hair of her head. You did not give Me a kiss. But this woman has not stopped kissing My feet since I came in. You did not even anoint My head with olive-oil. But this woman, here, has anointed My feet with a fragrance. And so I tell you, and with pleasure, her many sins are forgiven. And because she has been forgiven much, she has loved much. But to the one who has only been forgiven a little, that same one, also, only loves a little" (L 7:43b-47).
166 Then Jesus said to the woman, "Your sins are forgiven" (L 7:48).
167 Those who were reclining at the table with Jesus began to say within themselves, "Who is this that He even forgives sins?" (L 7:49).
168 So then Jesus said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace" (L 7:503:166).
Jesus Preaches in Every City
169 After this, He traveled down into every city and village, preaching and announcing the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him. There were also some women with Him, one of who had been healed from evil spirits and weaknesses – that is Miriam, the one called Magdalene,81 of whom seven spirits had come out. And there was Joanna, the wife of Chuza (a man of authority under Herod's house ), Susanna, as well as many others who minister to Him from what they had on hand (3:165L 8:1-34:21).
Jesus Goes to Jerusalem To Teach a "Feast of the Jews" (The Second Passover)82
ralytic Healed by the Pool of Siloam
170 After Jesus had preached and proclaiming the good news down in the Galilee area for a while, there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now, in Jerusalem, at the Sheep Gate, at the north end of the temple mount, there is a pool called Bethesda (from the Hebrew, meaning, house of outpouring), which has five porches (each porch having several columns supporting a roof.) In these porches there was a large number of sick, those who were blind, lame, and withered (3:17J 5:1-483).
171 There was also a man there who had a weakness for thirty-eight years. Jesus, seeing this man lying there, and knowing that he had already been in that condition for a long time, said to him, "Do you want to be cured?" (J 5:5-6).
172 "Sir, I have no one to throw me into the pool when the water is stirred," he answered. "And when I try to come on my own, someone else always steps down ahead of me" (J 5:7).
173 Jesus said to him, "Get up, pick up your bedding, and walk." At that moment, the man was healed. He took up his mat and walked (J 5:8-9a).
174 Now that day was a Sabbath, so the Jews, when they saw him carrying his mat, said to him, "This is the Sabbath, and it is not lawful for you to carry your bedding" (J 5:9b-10).
175 He answered: "The One who healed me, told me, 'Take up your bedding and walk'" (J 5:11).
176 So then they asked him, "Who is the Man who told you to take up your bed and walk?" But he did not know who it was because Jesus had left, and there was such a large crowd (J 5:12-13).
177 Later on, Jesus found the man in the House of God and said to him, "Behold, you have been healed. Now, no longer go on sinning so that nothing worse will happen to you" (J 5:14).
178 The man went and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had healed him. And from this, the Jews persecuted Jesus, because He had done it on the Sabbath. Jesus, however, responded to them and said, "My Father is working even up to now, and, thus, I am working" (J 5:15-17).
Jesus is Equal with God
179 From this, the Jews desired even more to kill Him. Because He had not only broke the Sabbath, but He has also said God was His Father, making Himself equal with God (J 5:18).
"You can absolutely be sure of this: The Son can do nothing from Himself, and He can do nothing more than only what He sees the Father doing. For what the Father does, the Son does, also, just like Him. For the Father loves the Son and shows Him everything that He, Himself, does" (J 5:19-20a).
181 "And He will show Him even greater works than these, in which you will be amazed. For just as the Father raises the dead into life, in this way, also, the Son gives life to whomever He wants. The Father judges no one. He has given all judgment to the Son, so that everyone should honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. But he who does not honor the Son, does not honor the Father who sent Him" (J 5:20b-23).
182 "And you can be absolutely sure of this: He who hears what I say and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life and will not come into judgment, because he has passed from death into life" (J 5:24).
183 "And you can, also, absolutely count on this: The hour is coming, and is even now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. For just as the Father has life in Himself, He has also granted the Son to have life in Himself. And because He is the Son of Man, the Father has given Him the authority to execute judgment" (see Daniel 7:13-14, Matthew 24:30 and 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17) (J 5:25-27).
184 "Now do not be amazed by this. For the hour is coming when everyone who is in their graves will hear His voice and come out – those who have done good to be raised into life, and those who have practiced evil to be raised into the judgment and condemned . . ." (J 5:28-29).
185 "I do not have the power to do anything of myself. But just as I hear from the Father, this is how I judge. Therefore, My judgment is righteous because I do not seek My own will but the will of the One who sent Me" (J 5:30).
Moses Wrote About Christ
186 "Now if I testify concerning Myself, that does not make My testimony true. However, there is another one who does testify concerning Me, and I know that his testimony of Me is true. You even sent people to question John the Baptist , and he has testified to the truth. Yet, I do not receive testimony from man. I say these things so that you may be saved. These testimonies are for your sake " (J 5:31-34).
187 "John was the lamp that was kindled to bring light, and you were willing to rejoice in his light for an hour. But, now, I have a greater testimony than his. For the things I do, which the Father has given Me to complete – these works that I am doing – are testifying concerning Me, that the Father has sent Me. And so it is, the Father, Himself, who has sent Me testifies of Me" (J 5:35-37a).
188 "You have not heard His voice at any time, and you have not seen His form.84 Along with that, you do not even have His word dwelling within you, because you do not believe in the One in whom He sent. You search the Scriptures because you think it is in them that you have everlasting life, but the Scriptures85 are testifying about Me, and you are not willing to come to Me so that you may have life" (J 5:37b-40).
189 "I do not receive honor from men, however. For I know you, that you do not have the love of God in you. I came in My Father's name, and you do not receive Me. If someone else comes in his own name, you will receive him" (J 5:41-43).
190 "So then, how can you believe, you who receive honor from each other and do not seek the honor that comes from the only God? Therefore, do not think I will accuse you to the Father. It is Moses who accuses you, the one in whom you trust" (J 5:44-45).
191 "If you really did believe Moses, you would have also believed Me because he wrote about Me. But if you do not even believe his writings, how can you then believe what I say?" (J 5:46-475:23).
