Study Desk

But since they don't have deep roots, they don't last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God's word.

but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things, so no fruit is produced.

To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them."

Night and day, while he's asleep or awake, the seed sprouts and grows, but he does not understand how it happens.

but it becomes the largest of all garden plants; it grows long branches, and birds can make nests in its shade."

In fact, in his public ministry he never taught without using parables; but afterward, when he was alone with his disciples, he explained everything to them.

But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water.

But Jesus said, "No, go home to your family, and tell them everything the Lord has done for you and how merciful he has been."

She had suffered a great deal from many doctors, and over the years she had spent everything she had to pay them, but she had gotten no better. In fact, she had gotten worse.

But he kept on looking around to see who had done it.

But Jesus overheard them and said to Jairus, "Don't be afraid. Just have faith."

The crowd laughed at him. But he made them all leave, and he took the girl's father and mother and his three disciples into the room where the girl was lying.

He allowed them to wear sandals but not to take a change of clothes.

But if any place refuses to welcome you or listen to you, shake its dust from your feet as you leave to show that you have abandoned those people to their fate."

For Herod had sent soldiers to arrest and imprison John as a favor to Herodias. She had been his brother Philip's wife, but Herod had married her.

So Herodias bore a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But without Herod's approval she was powerless,

for Herod respected John; and knowing that he was a good and holy man, he protected him. Herod was greatly disturbed whenever he talked with John, but even so, he liked to listen to him.

Then the king deeply regretted what he had said; but because of the vows he had made in front of his guests, he couldn't refuse her.

But many people recognized them and saw them leaving, and people from many towns ran ahead along the shore and got there ahead of them.

But Jesus said, "You feed them." "With what?" they asked. "We'd have to work for months to earn enough money to buy food for all these people!"