Study Desk

JesusHe">[fn] said, "How terrible it will be for you experts in the law, too! For you load people with burdens that are hard to carry, yet you yourselves don't even lift one of your fingers to ease the burdens.Matthew 23:4;">[xr]

How terrible it will be for you! For you build monuments for the prophets, and it was your ancestors who killed them!Matthew 23:29;">[xr]

So you are witnesses and approve of the deeds of your ancestors, because they killed those for whom you are building monuments.

How terrible it will be for you experts in the law! For you have taken away the key to knowledge. You didn't go in yourselves, and you kept out those who were trying to go in."Matthew 23:13;">[xr]

Meanwhile, the peoplecrowd">[fn] had gathered by the thousands and were trampling on one another. JesusHe">[fn] began to speak first to his disciples. "Watch out for the yeast - that is, the hypocrisy - of the Pharisees!Matthew 16:6,12; Mark 8:15;">[xr]

I'll show you the one you should be afraid of. Be afraid of the one who has the authority to throw you into hellGehenna; a transliteration of the Heb. for Valley of Hinnom">[fn] after killing you. Yes, I tell you, be afraid of him!

"Five sparrows are sold for two pennies, aren't they? Yet not one of them is forgotten in God's sight.

For in that hour the Holy Spirit will teach you what you are to say."

Then he said to them, "Be careful to guard yourselves against every kind of greed, for a person's life doesn't consist of the amount of possessions he has."1 Timothy 6:7;">[xr]

Then I'll say to my soul, "Soul, you've stored up plenty of good things for many years. Take it easy, eat, drink, and enjoy yourself."'Ecclesiastes 11:9; 1 Corinthians 15:32; James 5:5;">[xr]

That's how it is with the person who stores up treasures for himself and isn't rich toward God."Matthew 6:20; Luke 6:33; 1 Timothy 6:18-19; James 2:5;">[xr]

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

For it is the Gentiles who are concerned about all these things. Surely your Father knows that you need them!

Instead, be concerned about hisGod's">[fn] kingdom, and these things will be provided for you as well.Matthew 6:33;">[xr]

Stop being afraid, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.Matthew 11:25-26;">[xr]

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

Be like people who are waiting for their master to return from a wedding. As soon as he comes and knocks, they will open the door for him.

How blessed are those servants whom the master finds watching for him when he comes! Truly I tell you, he will put an apron on, make them sit down at the table, and go around and serve them.Matthew 24:46;">[xr]

Peter asked, "Lord, are you telling this parable just for us or for everyone?"

"Why don't you judge for yourselves what is right?