Study Desk

When John was in prison, he heard about the things that were happening—things the Messiah would do. So he sent some of his followers to Jesus.

Then Jesus criticized the cities where he did most of his miracles. He criticized these cities because the people there did not change their lives and stop sinning.

About that same time, Jesus was walking through the fields of grain on a Sabbath day. His followers were with him, and they were hungry. So they began to pick the grain and eat it.

Then Jesus said to the man with the crippled hand, "Hold out your hand." The man held out his hand, and it became well again, the same as the other hand.

He will not argue or shout; no one will hear his voice in the streets.

So if Satan forces out his own demons, then he is fighting against himself, and his kingdom will not survive.

Whoever wants to enter a strong man's house and steal his things must first tie him up. Then they can steal the things from his house.

While Jesus was talking to the people, his mother and brothers stood outside. They wanted to talk to him.

Then he pointed to his followers and said, "See! These people are my mother and my brothers.

Then Jesus used another story to teach them. Jesus said, "God's kingdom is like a man who planted good seed in his field.

Then Jesus told the people another story: "God's kingdom is like a mustard seed that a man plants in his field.

Then Jesus left the people and went into the house. His followers came to him and said, "Explain to us the meaning of the story about the weeds in the field."

The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will find the people who cause sin and all those who do evil. The angels will take those people out of his kingdom.

Then Jesus asked his followers, "Do you understand all these things?" They said, "Yes, we understand."

Isn't he just the son of the carpenter we know? Isn't his mother's name Mary, and aren't his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas?

And don't all his sisters still live here in town? How is he able to do these things?"

So they had a problem accepting him. But Jesus said to them, "People everywhere give honor to a prophet, but in his own town or in his own home a prophet does not get any honor."

So he said to his servants, "This man is really John the Baptizer. He must have risen from death, and that is why he can do these miracles."

On Herod's birthday, the daughter of Herodias danced for him and his group. Herod was very pleased with her.

King Herod was very sad. But he had promised to give the daughter anything she wanted. And the people eating with Herod had heard his promise. So he ordered what she asked to be done.