Study Desk

As the crowds increased, Jesus said, "This is a wicked generation. It asks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.

For as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so also will the Son of Man be to this generation.

The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the people of this generation and condemn them, for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon's wisdom; and now something greater than Solomon is here.

The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and now something greater than Jonah is here.

But now as for what is inside you—be generous to the poor, and everything will be clean for you.

"Woe to you, because you build tombs for the prophets, and it was your ancestors who killed them.

Therefore this generation will be held responsible for the blood of all the prophets that has been shed since the beginning of the world,

from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who was killed between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, this generation will be held responsible for it all.

Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.

for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say."

And I'll say to myself, "You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry."'

"But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?'

"This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God."

For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.

For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them.

"Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.

Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

"Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning,

like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him.