Study Desk

The seeds that fell among the thorns are those who hear, but as they go on their way, they are choked by the worries, riches, and pleasures of this life, and their fruit does not mature.

Then Jesus' mother and brothers came to see Him, but they were unable to reach Him because of the crowd.

As they sailed, He fell asleep, and a squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger.

The disciples went and woke Him saying, "Master, Master, we are perishing!" Then Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters, and they subsided, and all was calm.

"Where is your faith?" He asked. Frightened and amazed, they asked one another, "Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey Him!"

When those tending the pigs saw what had happened, they ran off and reported this in the town and countryside.

So the people went out to see what had happened. They came to Jesus and found the man whom the demons had left, sitting at Jesus' feet, clothed and in his right mind; and they were afraid.

"Who touched Me?" Jesus asked. But they all denied it. "Master," said Peter, "the people are crowding and pressing against You."

And they laughed at Him, knowing that she was dead.

So they set out and went from village to village, preaching the gospel and healing people everywhere.

Then the apostles returned and reported to Jesus all that they had done. Taking them away privately, He withdrew to a town called Bethsaida.

As the day neared its end, the Twelve came to Jesus and said, "Dismiss the crowd so they can go to the surrounding villages and countryside for lodging and provisions. For we are in a desolate place here."

But Jesus told them, "You give them something to eat." "We have only five loaves of bread and two fish," they answered, "unless we go and buy food for all these people."

They did so, and everyone was seated.

They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.

They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, that a prophet of old has arisen."

They appeared in glory and spoke about His departure, which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.

Meanwhile Peter and his companions were overcome by sleep, but when they awoke, they saw Jesus' glory and the two men standing with Him.

While Peter was speaking, a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud.

After the voice had spoken, only Jesus was present with them. The disciples kept this to themselves, and in those days they did not tell anyone what they had seen.