The Sabbath1Around this time, Jesus was walking through some fields of grain on the Sabbath. Because they were hungry, His disciples picked some seeds and ate them.2Some Pharisees saw what they did and challenged Jesus: "Look at what Your disciples are doing! That is unlawful on the Sabbath."3Jesus replied: "Have you never read about what David did when he and those with him were hungry?4He entered God's house and together with his companions ate the consecrated bread which only the priests are permitted to eat.5Or have you not read what it says in the law, that on the Sabbath the priests are allowed to work in the temple, and yet are regarded as innocent of any offence against God?6I tell you clearly, One is here among you who is greater than the temple.7Clearly you do not understand what these words mean, 'I prefer mercy to sacrifice.'8If you had understood, you would not have condemned those who are innocent. For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath."9Moving on, Jesus went into their synagogue.10A man with a shrivelled hand was present and because they wanted to find some reason to accuse Jesus, the Pharisees asked Him: "Is it right, according to the law, to heal on the Sabbath?"11Jesus replied: "If one of you has a sheep that falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not do whatever is needed to rescue it?12A man is far more valuable than a sheep! So of course it is right, according to God's law, to do good on the Sabbath."13Then He said to the man: "Stretch out your hand." When he did so it was completely healed and was just as strong as the other hand.14But this angered the Pharisees so much that they left the synagogue and plotted how they could kill Jesus.Prophecy fulfilled15-16Aware of their plans, Jesus withdrew from there. But many followed Him and He healed all the sick among them, warning them not to say who He was.17This fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:18"This is My chosen servant, the One I love and in whom I delight. My Spirit will be upon Him and He will proclaim justice to the nations.19He will not fight nor will He make His voice heard in the streets.20He will not snap a bruised reed, nor will He extinguish a smouldering wick, until He has first led those who love justice to victory.21In His name, the nations will place their hope."Address to the Pharisees22Later, a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute was brought to Him. Jesus healed him and he was able both to talk and see.23Everyone was astonished. "Could this be the Christ, the Son of David?" they asked.24However, when the Pharisees heard this they said: "This Man drives out demons by the devil, the prince of demons."25Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said to them: "Every kingdom that fights against itself will be ruined. Every divided city or household will not last.26So if satan was to drive satan out of people's lives, he would be divided against himself. How could his kingdom last if that was the case?27"And if it was true to say that I cast out demons by the devil himself, by whom do your people drive them out? Even they will judge you for what you have said.28However, if I drive out demons through God's Spirit, then His Kingdom has come upon you.29"Think again! Is it possible for anyone to enter the house of a strong man and take away his possessions unless he first binds up the strong man? Only then can he rob his house.30"He who is not on My side is opposed to Me, and the one who does not join with Me in gathering, scatters instead.31So I tell you clearly, every sin and blasphemy men commit will be forgiven.32But those who curse the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. It is possible for anyone who speaks against the Son of Man to be forgiven; but anyone speaking against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, neither in this present time nor in the eternal age that is to come.33"If you have a good tree its fruit will be good. If you have a rotten tree its fruit will be rotten, for each tree is evaluated by the fruit it bears.34"A person speaks from the overflow of his heart. You collection of snakes, you are so evil; how can you recognise what is good?35So the good man expresses good things that flow out of the good stored up in him. The evil person expresses evil things that flow from the evil stored up in him.36So I tell you clearly that every man will have to give account on Judgment Day for every careless word he has spoken.37For by your words you will be declared innocent, and by the words you have spoken you will be condemned."A wicked and adulterous generation38Next some Pharisees and teachers of the religious law said to Jesus: "Teacher, we want to see a miraculous sign that proves who You are."39He replied: "Only a wicked and adulterous generation would ask for such a miraculous sign. No sign will be given it except the sign of Jonah the prophet.40He was in the belly of a large fish for three days and nights. In the same way, the Son of Man will be in the heart of the earth for three days and nights.41At the judgment, the men of Nineveh will stand in judgment on this generation and will condemn it, for they repented when Jonah preached to them. Now One who is far greater than Jonah is here among you.42"The Queen of Sheba will speak in judgment on this generation and will condemn it. She came from far away to hear Solomon's wisdom, and now One far greater than Solomon is here among you!43"What happens to an evil spirit when it comes out of a man? It travels through desert places looking for rest, but is unable to find it.44Then it decides, 'I will return to the place I inhabited before.' When it arrives it discovers the house is vacant, clean and with everything in order.45So it goes and gathers seven other spirits even more wicked than itself. Together they enter to live there, so the man's final state is far worse than it was at first. This is exactly as it will be with this evil generation."Jesus' true family46While Jesus was still addressing the crowd, His mother and brothers came and stood outside wanting to speak to Him.47Someone gave Jesus the message: "Your mother and brothers are waiting outside, wishing to speak with You."48He replied: "Who is My mother, and who are truly My brothers?"49Then He pointed to His disciples and said: "Here is My family, My mother and brothers.50For anyone who obeys the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother!"
Scripture quoted by permission. The passage above is taken from THE TRUTH VERSION. Copyright © 2009 by Colin Urquhart. All rights reserved worldwide. (The Truth New Testament)