Study Desk

Then the followers of John the Baptist came to Jesus. They asked, "Why do we and the proud religious law-keepers many times go without food so we can pray better? But Your followers never go without food so they can pray better."

Men do not put new wine into old skin bags. If they did, the skins would break and the wine would run out. The bags would be no good. They put new wine into new skin bags and both can be used."

As they went on their way, a man who had a demon and could not talk was brought to Jesus.

When the demon was put out of him, the man was able to talk. Many people were surprised and wondered about it. They said, "We have never seen in the nation of the Jews like this."

As He saw many people, He had loving-pity on them. They were troubled and were walking around everywhere. They were like sheep without a shepherd.

For sure, I tell you, it will be easier for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day men stand before God and are told they are guilty, than for that city.

But look out for men. They will take you up to their courts and they will hurt you in their places of worship.

They will take you in front of the leaders of the people and of the kings because of Me. You will tell them and the people who do not know God about Me.

A follower should be happy to be as his teacher, and a servant who is owned by someone should be happy to be as his owner. If they have called the head of the house Satan, how much more will they speak against those of the house.

Do not be afraid of them who kill the body. They are not able to kill the soul. But fear Him Who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

John came and did not eat or drink. They said, ‘He has a demon.'

Then the Son of Man came and ate and drank. They said, ‘See! He eats too much and likes wine. He is a friend of men who gather taxes and of sinners!' But wisdom shows itself to be right by what it does."

Then He began to say strong words against the cities where most of His powerful works were done. He spoke to them because they were not sorry for their sins and did not turn from them.

"It is bad for you, city of Chorazin! It is bad for you, town of Bethsaida! For if the powerful works which were done in you had been done in the cities of Tyre and Sidon, they would have turned from their sins long ago. They would have shown their sorrow by putting on clothes made from hair and would have sat in ashes.

I tell you, it will be better for Tyre and Sidon on the day men stand before God and are told they are guilty, than for you.

But I say to you that it will be better for the land of Sodom on the day men stand before God and are told they are guilty, than for you."

Have you not read in the Law how the religious leaders do that which is not right to do on the Day of Rest, and yet they are not guilty?

The proud religious law-keepers went out and made plans against Him. They planned how they might kill Him.

Then they brought to Him a man who had a demon. He was blind and could not speak. Jesus healed him and he could talk and see.

Then it goes out and comes back bringing with it seven demons more sinful than itself. They go in and live there. In the end that man is worse than at first. It will be like this with the sinful people of this day."