Study Desk

When they came to the home of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw much commotion and weeping and wailing.

And the girl, who was twelve years old, immediately stood up and walked around! They were overwhelmed and totally amazed.

The next Sabbath he began teaching in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. They asked, "Where did he get all this wisdom and the power to perform such miracles?"

Then they scoffed, "He's just a carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon. And his sisters live right here among us." They were deeply offended and refused to believe in him.

So the disciples went out, telling everyone they met to repent of their sins and turn to God.

And they cast out many demons and healed many sick people, anointing them with olive oil.

When John's disciples heard what had happened, they came to get his body and buried it in a tomb.

The apostles returned to Jesus from their ministry tour and told him all they had done and taught.

Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.

Send the crowds away so they can go to the nearby farms and villages and buy something to eat."

"How much bread do you have?" he asked. "Go and find out." They came back and reported, "We have five loaves of bread and two fish."

Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he kept giving the bread to the disciples so they could distribute it to the people. He also divided the fish for everyone to share.

He saw that they were in serious trouble, rowing hard and struggling against the wind and waves. About three o'clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. He intended to go past them,

Then he climbed into the boat, and the wind stopped. They were totally amazed,

and they ran throughout the whole area, carrying sick people on mats to wherever they heard he was.

Wherever he went—in villages, cities, or the countryside—they brought the sick out to the marketplaces. They begged him to let the sick touch at least the fringe of his robe, and all who touched him were healed.

Similarly, they don't eat anything from the market until they immerse their hands in water. This is but one of many traditions they have clung to—such as their ceremonial washing of cups, pitchers, and kettles.)

So the Pharisees and teachers of religious law asked him, "Why don't your disciples follow our age-old tradition? They eat without first performing the hand-washing ceremony."

They were completely amazed and said again and again, "Everything he does is wonderful. He even makes the deaf to hear and gives speech to those who cannot speak."

"I feel sorry for these people. They have been here with me for three days, and they have nothing left to eat.