Study Desk

Now as Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon, who was called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen.

Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.

Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him.

And the news about Him spread throughout Syria; and they brought to Him all who were ill, those suffering with various diseases and severe pain, demon-possessed, people with epilepsy, and people who were paralyzed; and He healed them.

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.

"Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in this same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

"Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

"And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Even the Gentiles, do they not do the same?

"So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, so that they will be praised by people. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.

"And when you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they will be seen by people. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.

"And when you are praying, do not use thoughtless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard because of their many words.

"Look at the birds of the sky, that they do not sow, nor reap, nor gather crops into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more important than they?

"And why are you worried about clothing? Notice how the lilies of the field grow; they do not labor nor do they spin thread for cloth,

"Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.

Now when evening came, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed; and He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were ill.

And they came to Him and woke Him, saying, "Save us, Lord; we are perishing!"

And when He came to the other side into the country of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men confronted Him as they were coming out of the tombs. They were so extremely violent that no one could pass by that way.

And they cried out, saying, "What business do You have with us, Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?"

And He said to them, "Go!" And they came out and went into the pigs; and behold, the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the waters.

And behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus; and when they saw Him, they pleaded with Him to leave their region.