1En vilodag[1] lite senare vandrade Jesus och hans efterföljare genom några sädesfält. Och efterföljarna var hungriga och började rycka av ax och äta.2Men några fariseer[2] fick se det och protesterade: ”Titta vad de gör! Det är ju förbjudet enligt Moses lag att skörda på vilodagen.”3Då sa Jesus till dem: ”Har ni aldrig läst vad kung David gjorde när han och hans följeslagare blev hungriga?[3]4Han gick in i Guds hus, och både han och hans män åt av det speciella bröd som bara prästerna får äta. De bröt också mot lagen.5Och har ni aldrig läst i lagen att prästerna som tjänstgör i templet får arbeta på vilodagen?6Men jag försäkrar er, att här finns en som är större än templet!7Om ni förstod vad som menas med orden: ’Jag vill hellre att ni visar varandra kärlek, än att ni offrar till mig’[4], så skulle ni inte döma dem som är oskyldiga.8För jag, Människosonen[5], har rätt att avgöra vad som är tillåtet på vilodagen.”
Jesus botar en man på vilodagen
9Sedan gick Jesus vidare och kom in i deras synagoga[6],10och där fick han se en man som hade en vanställd hand. Fariseerna[7] frågade honom då: ”Tillåter Moses lag att man botar någon på vilodagen?” De hoppades naturligtvis att han skulle svara ”ja”, så att de skulle få något att anklaga honom för.11Men han svarade: ”Om någon av er har ett får och det faller i en grop på vilodagen, griper han då inte tag i det och drar upp det redan samma dag? Självklart gör han det!12Tänk då på hur mycket mer värd en människa är, än ett får! Det är alltså tillåtet att göra gott på vilodagen.”13Sedan sa han till mannen: ”Räck fram din hand.” Och när mannen gjorde det, blev handen frisk igen och lika stark som den andra!14Men fariseerna gick ut och började göra upp planer på hur de skulle få Jesus arresterad och dödad.
Guds tjänare
15När Jesus fick reda på detta, drog han sig bort därifrån. Många människor följde efter honom, och han botade alla sjuka bland dem,16men för att inte väcka misstankar om vem han var, förbjöd han dem strängt att berätta om det.17Genom detta blev det verklighet som Gud sagt genom profeten Jesaja:18”Detta är min utvalda tjänare! Han är min älskade, mitt hjärtas glädje. Jag ska fylla honom med min Ande, och han ska förklara för folken vad rättvisa är.19Han griper inte till våld eller skriker, hans röst ska inte höras på gatorna!20Han slår inte ner de svaga eller släcker det hopp som tynar. En dag ska han låta rättvisan segra.21Han ska vara världens hopp.”[8]
Jesus beskylls för att vara i förbund med djävulen
22Sedan förde man till honom en besatt man som var både blind och stum. Och Jesus botade honom, så att han kunde se och tala.23Folk blev alldeles häpna, och sa: ”Kanske Jesus ändå är den som ska ärva kung Davids tron[9]?”24Men när fariseerna[10] fick höra om undret, sa de: ”Han driver säkert ut de onda andarna med hjälp av Satan, de onda andarnas härskare.”25Jesus, som förstod vad fariseerna tänkte, sa då till dem: ”Ett rike där man strider mot varandra går under, och en stad eller en familj där man strider mot varandra upphör snart att existera.26Om Satan därför driver ut sina egna onda andar, då strider han ju mot sig själv. Hur ska han då kunna fortsätta att styra sitt rike?27Och om jag driver ut de onda andarna med hjälp av Satan, vilken kraft använder då era egna anhängare när de driver ut dem? Kanske de kan svara på era anklagelser!28Men om det är med Guds Ande jag driver ut de onda andarna, då har ju Gud kommit för att regera bland er.[11]29Så här är det: Satan är som en stark man, och vill man gå in i en stark mans hus och plundra honom på vad han äger, måste man första binda honom. Sedan kan man gå in och plundra hans hus.30Den som inte är för mig är emot mig, och den som inte hjälper mig i mitt arbete, han motarbetar mig.31Jag varnar er därför: All synd och hädelse[12] kan förlåtas, utom hädelse mot Guds heliga Ande. Det är en oförlåtlig synd.32Den som säger något mot mig, Människosonen[13], kan få förlåtelse, men den som säger något mot Guds heliga Ande, kommer aldrig att bli förlåten, vare sig i den här världen eller i den kommande.33Ett träd känns igen på sin frukt. Antingen är trädet bra och då bär det bra frukt, eller är det dåligt och då bär det dålig frukt.34Ni huggormsyngel! Hur skulle ni som är onda kunna säga något gott? Munnen talar ju vad hjärtat är fullt av.35En god människas ord visar på den godhet som bor i hennes hjärta, medan en ond människas ord avslöjar det onda inom henne.36Jag säger er, att på domens dag ska ni få stå till svars för varje onyttigt ord ni har talat.37De ord ni talar nu ska avgöra ert öde då. Antingen kommer ni att frias genom dem, eller att dömas genom dem.”
De religiösa ledarna ber Jesus om ett tecken
38En dag kom några av laglärarna[14], tillsammans med fariseerna, och bad att få se ett tecken som skulle bevisa att Jesus verkligen var Messias, den utlovade kungen.39Men Jesus svarade: ”Detta onda och gudlösa släkte kräver ett tecken, men det enda tecken de ska få se är det som hände med profeten Jona[15].40På samma sätt som Jona var i den stora fisken i tre dygn, kommer jag, Människosonen[16], att vara i jordens inre i tre dygn.41Invånarna i Nineve ska på domens dag uppstå från de döda tillsammans med er och döma er, för de övergav sitt onda levnadssätt och vände sig till Gud när de hörde Jona framföra Guds budskap. Men här finns en som är större än Jona, och ni vägrar att tro på honom.42Också Söderns drottning[17] ska på domens dag träda fram som vittne mot detta släkte och döma dem. Hon kom ju från ett avlägset land för att lyssna till Salomos vishet. Men här finns en som är större än Salomo, och ni vägrar att tro på honom.43-45Detta onda släkte kommer att drabbas av samma öde som många besatta gör: När en ond ande drivs ut ur en människa, irrar den oroligt omkring i öknen och letar efter ett nytt offer. Hittar den då ingen säger den: ’Jag vänder tillbaka till den människa jag kom ifrån.’ Och när den gör det och finner hennes hjärta tomt, rent och iordningställt, letar den reda på sju andar till, ännu värre än den själv. Tillsammans tar de sedan kontrollen över människan, och hon får det långt värre än hon hade det förut.”
Jesus riktiga familj
46-47Medan Jesus fortfarande talade till folket kom hans mamma och bröder dit och ville prata med honom, men de stannade utanför huset. Någon sa till honom: ”Din mamma och dina bröder står här utanför och vill träffa dig.”48Men han svarade: ”Min mamma och mina bröder! Vilka är det?”49Sedan pekade han på sina efterföljare och sa: ”Det här är min mamma och mina bröder.50Var och en som lyder min Far i himlen är min bror, min syster och min mamma!”
1En sabbat[1] en tid senare vandrade Jesus och hans lärjungar genom några sädesfält. Hans lärjungar var hungriga och började rycka av ax och äta.2Men fariseerna fick se det och sa: ”Titta hur dina lärjungar gör sådant som inte är tillåtet[2] på sabbaten.”3Då sa Jesus till dem: ”Har ni aldrig läst vad David gjorde när han och hans män blev hungriga?[3]4Han gick in i Guds hus, och både han och hans män åt av skådebröden som bara prästerna får äta. De bröt också mot lagen.5Och har ni aldrig läst i lagen att prästerna som tjänstgör i templet vanhelgar sabbaten och är ändå oskyldiga?6Men jag säger er, att här finns en som är större än templet.7Om ni förstod vad som menas med orden: ’Jag vill hellre ha nåd än slaktoffer’[4], så skulle ni inte döma oskyldiga.8För Människosonen är Herre över sabbaten.”
Jesus botar en man på sabbatsdagen
9Sedan gick Jesus vidare och kom in i deras synagoga,10och där fick han se en man som hade en förtvinad hand. Fariseerna frågade honom då: ”Är det tillåtet att bota någon på sabbaten?”, för att få något att anklaga honom för.11Men han svarade: ”Om någon av er har ett får och det faller i en grop på sabbaten, griper han då inte tag i det och drar upp det?12Tänk då på hur mycket mer värd en människa är än ett får! Det är alltså tillåtet att göra gott på sabbaten.”13Sedan sa han till mannen: ”Räck fram din hand!” Och när mannen gjorde det, blev handen lika frisk igen som den andra.14Men fariseerna gick ut och började göra upp planer på hur de skulle få Jesus dödad.
Guds tjänare
15När Jesus fick reda på detta, drog han sig bort därifrån. Många människor följde efter honom, och han botade alla sjuka bland dem,16men han förbjöd dem att avslöja vem han var.17Så skulle det gå i uppfyllelse som förutsagts genom profeten Jesaja:18”Detta är min utvalda tjänare, min älskade, min innerliga glädje. Jag låter min Ande komma över honom, och han ska förkunna rätten för folken.19Han tvistar inte, han skriker inte, hans röst hörs inte på gatorna.20Han krossar inte ett brutet strå, han släcker inte en veke som tynar. Han för fram rättvisan till seger.21Hans namn ska vara folkens hopp.”[5]
Jesus beskylls för att vara i förbund med djävulen
22Sedan förde man till honom en besatt man som var både blind och stum. Och Jesus botade honom, så att han kunde tala och se.23Folk blev alldeles häpna, och sa: ”Kanske denne ändå är Davids Son?”24Men när fariseerna fick höra det, sa de: ”Han driver säkert ut de onda andarna med hjälp av Beelsebul, de onda andarnas härskare.”25Jesus, som förstod vad fariseerna tänkte, sa då till dem: ”Ett rike där man strider mot varandra går under, och en stad eller en familj där man strider mot varandra upphör snart att existera.26Om nu Satan driver ut Satan, då är han ju kluven och strider mot sig själv. Då kan väl inte hans rike bestå?27Och om jag driver ut de onda andarna med hjälp av Beelsebul, med vilken kraft driver då era egna anhängare ut dem? De ska därför bli era domare.28Men om det är med Guds Ande jag driver ut de onda andarna, då har ju Guds rike kommit till er.29Hur kan någon gå in i en stark mans hus och plundra honom på vad han äger, om han inte först binder honom? Sedan kan man plundra hans hus.30Den som inte är för mig är emot mig, och den som inte samlar med mig, han skingrar.31Därför säger jag er: all synd och hädelse kan förlåtas, utom hädelse mot Anden, den är oförlåtlig.32Den som säger något mot Människosonen kan få förlåtelse, men den som säger något mot den heliga Anden, kommer aldrig att bli förlåten, vare sig i den här tidsåldern eller i den kommande.[6]33Få ett träd att bli bra, så bär det bra frukt, eller få trädet att bli dåligt, så bär det dålig frukt. För ett träd känns igen på sin frukt.34Ni huggormsyngel! Hur skulle ni som är onda kunna säga något gott? Munnen talar ju vad hjärtat är fullt av.35En god människa bär fram det goda ur den godhet som lagrats i hennes hjärta, medan en ond människa bär fram det onda ur den ondska som lagrats i hennes hjärta.36Jag säger er, att på domens dag ska människorna få stå till svars för varje onyttigt ord de har talat.37De ord du talar nu avgör om du ska frias eller dömas.”
De religiösa ledarna ber Jesus om ett tecken
38En dag bad några av de skriftlärda och fariseerna: ”Mästare, vi vill se dig göra ett tecken.”39Men Jesus svarade: ”Detta onda och trolösa släkte söker efter tecken, men det enda tecken de ska få se är profeten Jonas tecken[7].40På samma sätt som Jona var i den stora fisken i tre dagar och tre nätter, ska Människosonen vara i jordens hjärta i tre dagar och tre nätter[8].41Invånarna i Nineve ska på domens dag uppstå tillsammans med detta släkte och döma det, för de vände om när Jona predikade. Men här finns en som är större än Jona.42Söderns drottning[9] ska på domens dag uppstå tillsammans med detta släkte och döma det, för hon kom från jordens yttersta gräns för att lyssna till Salomos vishet. Men här finns en som är större än Salomo.
Den orena andens återkomst
43När en oren ande drivs ut ur en människa, irrar den omkring i vattenlösa trakter och letar efter ro, utan att hitta någon.44Då säger den: ’Jag vänder tillbaka till det hus jag kom ifrån.’ Och när den gör det och finner huset tomt, rent och iordningställt,45letar den reda på sju andar till, ännu värre än den själv. Tillsammans återvänder de sedan och bosätter sig där. Den människan får det då långt värre än hon hade det förut. Så blir det också med detta onda släkte.”
Jesus riktiga familj
46Medan Jesus fortfarande talade till folket, kom hans mor och bröder dit och ville prata med honom, men de stannade utanför huset.47Någon sa till honom: ”Din mor och dina bröder står här utanför och vill prata med dig.”48Men han svarade: ”Min mor och mina bröder! Vilka är det?”49Sedan pekade han på sina lärjungar och sa: ”Det här är min mor och mina syskon.50Var och en som gör min himmelske Faders vilja är min bror, min syster och min mor.”
1At that time Jesus went through the cornfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick some ears of corn and eat them.2When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, ‘Look! Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath.’3He answered, ‘Haven’t you read what David did when he and his companions were hungry?4He entered the house of God, and he and his companions ate the consecrated bread – which was not lawful for them to do, but only for the priests.5Or haven’t you read in the Law that the priests on Sabbath duty in the temple desecrate the Sabbath and yet are innocent?6I tell you that something greater than the temple is here.7If you had known what these words mean, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice,” you would not have condemned the innocent. (Hos 6:6)8For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.’9Going on from that place, he went into their synagogue,10and a man with a shrivelled hand was there. Looking for a reason to bring charges against Jesus, they asked him, ‘Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?’11He said to them, ‘If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not take hold of it and lift it out?12How much more valuable is a person than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.’13Then he said to the man, ‘Stretch out your hand.’ So he stretched it out and it was completely restored, just as sound as the other.14But the Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus.
God’s chosen servant
15Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place. A large crowd followed him, and he healed all who were ill.16He warned them not to tell others about him.17This was to fulfil what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:18‘Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations.19He will not quarrel or cry out; no-one will hear his voice in the streets.20A bruised reed he will not break, and a smouldering wick he will not snuff out, till he has brought justice through to victory.21In his name the nations will put their hope.’ (Jes 42:1)
Jesus and Beelzebul
22Then they brought him a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute, and Jesus healed him, so that he could both talk and see.23All the people were astonished and said, ‘Could this be the Son of David?’24But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, ‘It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out demons.’25Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, ‘Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.26If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand?27And if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your people drive them out? So then, they will be your judges.28But if it is by the Spirit of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.29‘Or again, how can anyone enter a strong man’s house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can plunder his house.30‘Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.31And so I tell you, every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven.32Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.33‘Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognised by its fruit.34You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.35A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him.36But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.37For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.’
The sign of Jonah
38Then some of the Pharisees and teachers of the law said to him, ‘Teacher, we want to see a sign from you.’39He answered, ‘A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.40For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.41The 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.42The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, and now something greater than Solomon is here.43‘When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it.44Then it says, “I will return to the house I left.” When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order.45Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation.’
Jesus’ mother and brothers
46While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him.47Someone told him, ‘Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.’48He replied to him, ‘Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?’49Pointing to his disciples, he said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers.50For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.’
1One Sabbath day Jesus walked through the cornfields. His disciples were hungry. So they began to break off some ears of corn and eat them.2The Pharisees saw this. They said to Jesus, ‘Look! It is against the Law to do this on the Sabbath day. But your disciples are doing it anyway!’3Jesus answered, ‘Haven’t you read about what David did? He and his men were hungry.4So he entered the house of God. He and his men ate the holy bread. Only priests were allowed to eat it.5Haven’t you read the Law? It tells how every Sabbath day the priests in the temple have to do their work on that day. But they are not considered guilty.6I tell you that something more important than the temple is here.7Scripture says, “I want mercy and not sacrifice.” You don’t know what those words mean. If you did, you would not bring charges against those who are not guilty. (Hos 6:6)8The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath day.’9Going on from that place, Jesus went into their synagogue.10A man with a weak and twisted hand was there. The Pharisees were trying to accuse Jesus of a crime. So they asked him, ‘Does the Law allow us to heal on the Sabbath day?’11He said to them, ‘What if one of your sheep falls into a pit on the Sabbath day? Won’t you take hold of it and lift it out?12A person is worth more than sheep! So the Law allows us to do good on the Sabbath day.’13Then Jesus said to the man, ‘Stretch out your hand.’ So he stretched it out. It had been made as good as new. It was just as good as the other hand.14But the Pharisees went out and planned how to kill Jesus.
God’s chosen servant
15Jesus knew all about the Pharisees’ plans. So he left that place. A large crowd followed him, and he healed all who were ill.16But he warned them not to tell other people about him.17This was to make what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah come true. It says,18‘Here is my servant. I have chosen him. He is the one I love. I am very pleased with him. I will put my Spirit on him. He will announce to the nations that everything will be made right.19He will not argue or cry out. No one will hear his voice in the streets.20He will not break a bent twig. He will not put out a dimly burning flame. He will make right win over wrong.21The nations will put their hope in him.’ (Jes 42:1)
Jesus and Beelzebul
22A man controlled by demons was brought to Jesus. The man was blind and could not speak. Jesus healed him. Then the man could speak and see.23All the people were amazed. They said, ‘Could this be the Son of David?’24The Pharisees heard this. So they said, ‘This fellow drives out demons by the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons.’25Jesus knew what they were thinking. So he said to them, ‘Every kingdom that fights against itself will be destroyed. Every city or family that is divided against itself will not stand.26If Satan drives out Satan, he fights against himself. Then how can his kingdom stand?27You say I drive out demons by the power of Beelzebul. Then by whose power do your people drive them out? So then, they will be your judges.28But suppose I drive out demons by the Spirit of God. Then the kingdom of God has come to you.29‘Or think about this. How can you enter a strong man’s house and just take what the man owns? You must first tie him up. Then you can rob his house.30‘Anyone who is not with me is against me. Anyone who does not gather sheep with me scatters them.31So here is what I tell you. Every kind of sin and every evil word spoken against God will be forgiven. But speaking evil things against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.32Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven. But anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. A person like that won’t be forgiven either now or in days to come.33‘If you make a tree good, its fruit will be good. If you make a tree bad, its fruit will be bad. You can tell a tree by its fruit.34You nest of poisonous snakes! How can you who are evil say anything good? Your mouths say everything that is in your hearts.35A good man says good things. These come from the good that is stored up inside him. An evil man says evil things. These come from the evil that is stored up inside him.36But here is what I tell you. On judgment day, everyone will have to account for every empty word they have spoken.37By your words you will be found guilty or not guilty.’
The sign of Jonah
38Some of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law came to Jesus. They said, ‘Teacher, we want to see a sign from you.’39He answered, ‘Evil and unfaithful people ask for a sign! But none will be given except the sign of the prophet Jonah.40Jonah was in the belly of a huge fish for three days and three nights. Something like that will happen to the Son of Man. He will spend three days and three nights in the grave.41The men of Nineveh will stand up on judgment day with the people now living. And the Ninevites will prove that these people are guilty. The men of Nineveh turned away from their sins when Jonah preached to them. And now something more important than Jonah is here.42The Queen of the South will stand up on judgment day with the people now living. And she will prove that they are guilty. She came from very far away to listen to Solomon’s wisdom. And now something more important than Solomon is here.43‘What happens when an evil spirit comes out of a person? It goes through dry areas looking for a place to rest. But it doesn’t find it.44Then it says, “I will return to the house I left.” When it arrives there, it finds the house empty. The house has been swept clean and put in order.45Then the evil spirit goes and takes with it seven other spirits more evil than itself. They go in and live there. That person is worse off than before. That is how it will be with the evil people of today.’
Jesus’ mother and brothers
46While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside. They wanted to speak to him.47Someone told him, ‘Your mother and brothers are standing outside. They want to speak to you.’48Jesus replied to him, ‘Who is my mother? And who are my brothers?’49Jesus pointed to his disciples. He said, ‘Here is my mother! Here are my brothers!50Anyone who does what my Father in heaven wants is my brother or sister or mother.’
Matteus 12
King James Version
1At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat.2But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day.3But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him;4How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the shewbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests?5Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless?6But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple.7But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.8For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day.9And when he was departed thence, he went into their synagogue:10And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him.11And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out?12How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days.13Then saith he to the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other.14Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him.15But when Jesus knew it, he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all;16And charged them that they should not make him known:17That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying,18Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles.19He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets.20A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.21And in his name shall the Gentiles trust.22Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw.23And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David?24But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.25And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:26And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand?27And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges.28But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.29Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.30He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.31Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.32And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.33Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.34O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.35A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.36But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.37For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.38Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee.39But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:40For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.41The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.42The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.43When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.44Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished.45Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.46While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him.47Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee.48But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?49And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!50For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.
1At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry, and they began to pluck heads of grain and to eat. (5 Mos 23:25; Mark 2:23; Luk 6:1)2But when the Pharisees saw it, they said to him, “Look, your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath.” (2 Mos 20:9; Matt 12:10; Luk 13:14; Luk 14:3; Joh 5:10; Joh 7:23; Joh 9:16)3He said to them, “Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, and those who were with him: (1 Sam 21:1; Matt 21:16)4how he entered the house of God and ate the bread of the Presence, which it was not lawful for him to eat nor for those who were with him, but only for the priests? (2 Mos 25:30; 3 Mos 24:5)5Or have you not read in the Law how on the Sabbath the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath and are guiltless? (4 Mos 28:9; 1 Krön 9:32; Joh 7:22)6I tell you, something greater than the temple is here. (Hagg 2:9; Mal 3:1; Matt 12:8; Matt 12:41)7And if you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the guiltless. (Hos 6:6; Mik 6:6; Matt 9:13)8For the Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath.” (Matt 9:6)
A Man with a Withered Hand
9He went on from there and entered their synagogue. (Mark 3:1; Luk 6:6)10And a man was there with a withered hand. And they asked him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?”—so that they might accuse him. (Matt 12:2; Luk 11:54; Luk 14:3; Luk 20:20; Joh 8:6)11He said to them, “Which one of you who has a sheep, if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not take hold of it and lift it out? (2 Mos 23:4; 5 Mos 22:4)12Of how much more value is a man than a sheep! So it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.” (Matt 6:26; Matt 10:31; Joh 5:16)13Then he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And the man stretched it out, and it was restored, healthy like the other. (1 Kung 13:4)14But the Pharisees went out and conspired against him, how to destroy him.
God’s Chosen Servant
15Jesus, aware of this, withdrew from there. And many followed him, and he healed them all (Matt 10:23; Matt 19:2; Mark 3:7; Joh 10:39)16and ordered them not to make him known. (Matt 8:4; Mark 1:25; Mark 3:12; Mark 8:30; Luk 4:41; Luk 9:21)17This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: (Matt 1:22)18“Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. (Jes 42:1; Jes 61:1; Luk 4:18; Joh 3:34; Apg 4:27; Apg 4:30; Apg 10:38)19He will not quarrel or cry aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets;20a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory;21and in his name the Gentiles will hope.” (Jes 11:10; Jes 42:4; Rom 15:12)
Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit
22Then a demon-oppressed man who was blind and mute was brought to him, and he healed him, so that the man spoke and saw. (Matt 9:32; Luk 11:14)23And all the people were amazed, and said, “Can this be the Son of David?” (Matt 9:27; Joh 4:29; Joh 7:26; Joh 7:31)24But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, “It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this man casts out demons.” (Matt 10:25; Mark 3:22)25Knowing their thoughts, he said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand. (Matt 9:4; Mark 3:23; Luk 11:17)26And if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand?27And if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. (2 Kung 2:7; Apg 19:13)28But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. (Matt 12:18; Matt 19:24; Matt 21:31; Matt 21:43; Luk 17:21)29Or how can someone enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? Then indeed he may plunder his house. (Jes 49:24; Jes 53:12)30Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. (Mark 9:40; Luk 9:50; Luk 11:23)31Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. (Mark 3:28; Luk 12:10; Apg 7:51; Heb 6:4; Heb 10:26; Heb 10:29; 1 Joh 5:16)32And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come. (Matt 11:19; Matt 12:31; Joh 7:12; Joh 9:24; Ef 1:21; 1 Tim 1:12)
A Tree Is Known by Its Fruit
33“Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad, for the tree is known by its fruit. (Matt 7:16; Luk 6:43)34You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. (Matt 3:7; Matt 7:11; Matt 13:52; Matt 15:18; Matt 23:33; Luk 6:45; Ef 4:29)35The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. (Matt 12:34)36I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, (Pred 12:14; Apg 17:31; Rom 14:12; Ef 5:4; Ef 5:11; 1 Pet 4:5; 2 Pet 1:8)37for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matt 5:22; Jak 3:2)
The Sign of Jonah
38Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying, “Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you.” (Matt 16:1; Mark 8:11; Luk 11:16; Luk 23:8; Joh 2:18; Joh 4:48; Joh 6:30; 1 Kor 1:22)39But he answered them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. (Jes 57:3; Matt 16:4; Mark 8:11; Mark 8:38; Luk 11:29; Jak 4:4)40For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. (Jon 1:17; Matt 17:22)41The men of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here. (Jer 3:11; Hes 16:51; Jon 1:2; Jon 3:5; Matt 12:6; Rom 2:27; Heb 11:7)42The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here. (1 Kung 10:1; 2 Krön 9:1; Matt 12:41)
Return of an Unclean Spirit
43“When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, but finds none. (Ps 63:1; Jer 2:6; Luk 11:24)44Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it comes, it finds the house empty, swept, and put in order.45Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there, and the last state of that person is worse than the first. So also will it be with this evil generation.” (Matt 12:39; Joh 5:14; 2 Pet 2:20)
Jesus’ Mother and Brothers
46While he was still speaking to the people, behold, his mother and his brothers[1] stood outside, asking to speak to him.[2] (Matt 13:55; Mark 3:31; Mark 6:3; Luk 8:19; Joh 2:12; Joh 7:3; Joh 7:5; Joh 7:10; Apg 1:14; 1 Kor 9:5; Gal 1:19)48But he replied to the man who told him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?”49And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers!50For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” (Matt 7:21; Luk 11:28; Joh 15:14; Heb 2:11)