Study Desk

For all that is secret will eventually be brought into the open, and everything that is concealed will be brought to light and made known to all.

"So pay attention to how you hear. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what they think they understand will be taken away from them."

As they sailed across, Jesus settled down for a nap. But soon a fierce storm came down on the lake. The boat was filling with water, and they were in real danger.

As Jesus was climbing out of the boat, a man who was possessed by demons came out to meet him. For a long time he had been homeless and naked, living in the tombs outside the town.

For Jesus had already commanded the evil spirit to come out of him. This spirit had often taken control of the man. Even when he was placed under guard and put in chains and shackles, he simply broke them and rushed out into the wilderness, completely under the demon's power.

Jesus demanded, "What is your name?" "Legion," he replied, for he was filled with many demons.

And all the people in the region of the Gerasenes begged Jesus to go away and leave them alone, for a great wave of fear swept over them. So Jesus returned to the boat and left, crossing back to the other side of the lake.

"No, go back to your family, and tell them everything God has done for you." So he went all through the town proclaiming the great things Jesus had done for him.

On the other side of the lake the crowds welcomed Jesus, because they had been waiting for him.

A woman in the crowd had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding, and she could find no cure.

But Jesus said, "Someone deliberately touched me, for I felt healing power go out from me."

"Take nothing for your journey," he instructed them. "Don't take a walking stick, a traveler's bag, food, money, or even a change of clothes.

Late in the afternoon the twelve disciples came to him and said, "Send the crowds away to the nearby villages and farms, so they can find food and lodging for the night. There is nothing to eat here in this remote place."

But Jesus said, "You feed them." "But we have only five loaves of bread and two fish," they answered. "Or are you expecting us to go and buy enough food for this whole crowd?"

For there were about 5,000 men there. Jesus replied, "Tell them to sit down in groups of about fifty each."

If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.

As Moses and Elijah were starting to leave, Peter, not even knowing what he was saying, blurted out, "Master, it's wonderful for us to be here! Let's make three shelters as memorials—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."

But Jesus said, "Don't stop him! Anyone who is not against you is for you."

As the time drew near for him to ascend to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.

He sent messengers ahead to a Samaritan village to prepare for his arrival.