The Book of Matthew
in Psalm

By Sonia Stikovich © 2000

Chapter 1

Abraham fathered Issac, who then brought Jacob forth; from Jacob came Judah and his brothers, then through Judah, Perez and Zerah were born. These came from Tamar, who was in the family line. Then from Perez was Hezron, who came forth at this time. Ram came from Hezron, then Amminadab from Ram. Amminadab fathered Nashon, who in turn fathered Salmon.

Salmon was the father of Boaz, his mother was Rahab; she was the one who was saved by the scarlet thread. From Boaz came Obed, his mother’s name was Ruth; she had stayed with Naomi because she desired her God of truth.

Jesse came from Obed, and then Jesse fathered David, the King. David fathered Solomon from her who had once worn Uriah’s ring. Solomon fathered Rehoboam; Abijah was his son. Abijah fathered Asa; then Jehoshaphat’s life was begun.

From Jehosophat came Joram, who was Uzziah’s dad. Uzziah then fathered Jotham, who in turn fathered Ahaz. From Ahaz came Hezekiah, who fathered Manasseh. Manasseh fathered Amon and then Josiah came in next.

Jochoniah and his brothers came forth from Josiah’s line. They were carried away to Baby- lon, which was life of a far different kind.

During the Babylonian exile, Jechoniah fathered Shealtiel; he in turn fathered Zerubbabel, and Abiud came in at their heels. From Abiud came Eliakim; Azor was his son. Azor fathered Zadok, and then Acim came from this one.

Eliud’s father was Achim, and from Eliud came Eleazar. Matthan came from him, and rhym- ing this is hard. Well, Matthan fathered Jacob and Joseph was his son; he was the husband of Mary, who brought forth Christ, the Holy One.

Chapter 2

Jesus was born in Bethlehem. It was when Herod was the King. After His birth, some wise men came and inquired of Him. They wanted to know where the baby was, the one born King of the Jews. They had seen His star in the East and came to pay Him their respectful dues.

When Herod heard about this, he became afraid. He questioned his men of this child, "Where did He come from? Why is He so great?"

"In the town of Bethlehem is what the scriptures have revealed. It was written by the prophet that He would be the ruler of Israel."

Herod then met with the Wise men and learned when the star first appeared. He said to them, "Go search diligently for the child, then bring the news of Him to me here."

After meeting with the King, the Wise men were on their journey again. My how they rejoiced at the return of the star that led them to Bethlehem.

When the Wise men entered the house where the baby and His mother were, they fell down and worshipped Him, presenting gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

When they left for their own country, the wise men went another way. God had warned them in a dream that from Herod they were to stay away.

After the Wise men had departed, God spoke to Joseph in a dream. He was told to take the baby to Egypt so He would be kept safe from Herod the King. Joseph woke up quickly, and they traveled in the night. Into Egypt they went, protected from Pharaoh’s plight.

In Egypt, they stayed until the time of Herod’s death. Then Christ was called out of Egypt, just as the prophet had said.

When Herod realized that he had been tricked, he went into a rage. He killed all the child- ren in Bethlehem; he killed them all from birth up till two years of age. This was a prophecy fulfilled by the one called Jeremy: ‘Lamentation and great mourning, and Rachel, for her children, weeping. She could not be comforted because they are no more.’ Who was this Christ child that these lives were given for?

After Herod’s death God spoke to Joseph in another dream, "Go now into Israel, Herod is no longer the King."

On the way to Israel, Joseph got some fearful news, Herod’s son was now the king, and this brought Joseph the blues. Again, Joseph was com- forted through another dream. He was told not to go into Judea, but to go into Galilee.

Now they lived in Nazareth, just as the prophet had seen. His words concerning the Messiah were, ‘He shall be called a Nazarene.’

Chapter 3

John the Baptist began preaching in the wilderness of Judea. His constant theme was, "From sin you must now flee. Turn your ways to God, and be sorry for what you’ve done. The Kingdom of heaven is now coming, to each and every one."

The prophet Isaiah had mentioned John as one crying in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, get your life in time with His.’

John came in humble clothing; he didn’t dress like the Scribes. His food was locusts and wild honey, and he confronted every lie. Many people came to him, to hear what he had to say. They received his words and were baptized right away.

When John saw the Pharisees and Sadducees draw near, he confronted their way of life which they were not at all pleased to hear.

He called them vipers because they were against all that was good. He challenged them to repent, and said their fruit was as wormwood. "Don’t dare to even think to say that you have Abraham as your father, this will never justify your hatred for each other. The truth of who you really are shall now be visible to all. What is truly inside of you is now to cause your fall. I am baptizing you with water, those who desire their old life to lose. But there is a greater one coming; I’m not even worthy enough to carry His shoes. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire; He will separate those who are His, which all of you should desire."

Jesus then went to Galilee, to the Jordan River. He went to be baptized by John, but John began to quiver. "This isn’t right", John said. "You should baptize me." Jesus replied, "Do it now, for my obedience shall be complete."

John obeyed, and Jesus, he did baptize. Suddenly the heavens opened, and God’s Spirit came out from the sky. It came on Jesus; God’s Spirit descended like a dove. A voice was then heard, coming from the heavens above; "This is my dearly loved Son; I am well pleased with Him." The Father spoke these words and then took control of Him.

Chapter 4

Jesus was then taken by the Spirit, into the wilderness. He fasted for forty days, and the devil came to Him. He said to Jesus, "If you’re the Son of God, then turn these stones into bread." Jesus answered, "It is written to live by the word of God instead."

The devil then took Jesus to the Holy City, hoping He would throw Himself down. He twisted the scriptures saying, "The angels will carry you to the ground." Jesus again replied with scripture, the word came out sharp as a sword, He told Satan, "It is written, you shall not tempt the Lord."

Then to a high mountain is where he led Jesus this time. The devil showed Jesus the kingdoms of the world and said, "These are all mine; if you will bow down and worship me, I’ll give them all to you." Jesus replied, "Beat it, Satan! We only worship God, not you." The devil then left for a while, and angels came to Jesus and ministered. Jesus then continued on to fulfill His Father’s word.

Jesus got news of John, of how he was now in prison. Jesus then continued on His way, just as it had been written, ‘The land of Naphtali, beyond the Jordan into Galilee, people who had no sight; covered as though in an invisible veil. They suddenly see a light coming; the darkness is being dispelled. Understanding is happening; life is coming to you. Suddenly the darkness is understood; the light has broken through. Jesus began to speak of the Kingdom that was to come now. He told all to repent and lay all of their sins down.

One day, as Jesus was walking by the Lake of Galilee, He saw Peter and Andrew in a boat and said, "Come and follow me; I’ll show you how to fish, but for the souls of men." When they heard His call, they dropped all to follow Him.

Further down He went, and He saw James and John. They were mending nets with their Father, when Jesus said, "Hey you two; C’mon!" They quickly stopped their work and followed along with Christ. What was it in the words He spoke? What was it in His eyes? What was it that made them follow Him and give up their own lives?

Jesus went through Galilee; He was preaching everywhere. He told everyone about the Kingdom, and He healed every disease there. The news about His miracles was spreading far and wide; people even came from Syria to be healed by this man called, Christ. It did not matter what their illness, or what was their pain, if they were possessed by demons, or if they were insane. Even those who were paralyzed became whole again. Everywhere Jesus went huge crowds followed Him. People came from Galilee, Decapolis, and Jerusalem. They came from all over Judea and even from the River, Jordan.

 Chapter 5

 When Jesus saw the crowds, He sat on the mountainside so He could speak to all of them; His disciples followed, they stayed close to Him.

Jesus began to speak these words to all that were gathered there, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. Blessed are those who morn, comfort is what they shall find; in loss they are increased, with joy of a different kind. Blessed are the meek, they do not fight against the Lord; they shall find the whole earth to be their reward. Happy are those who hunger and thirst for what is right; they shall find truth and be satisfied. How fortunate are the merciful; mercy, they too shall find. What they show to others will return to their own side. The pure in heart are benefited with a great reward. You see the pure in heart shall see the face of the Lord. Blessed are those who cause peace everywhere they go; they shall be called the Sons of God, and they shall be known. You’re blessed when people scorn you, because you chose the righteous way. It will be deeper in God’s Kingdom that you will find your place. You are blessed when people insult you; when you’re persecuted and falsely accused; when you’re spoken evil of because of me, the reward is great that shall come to you; know this, they did the same thing to the prophets too."

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

When Jesus came down from the mountain, a great multitude followed at His heels. A leper bowed before Him and said, "Lord, cleanse me, if you will." Jesus replied, "I am willing, now be healed. Go and show yourself to the Priests, and do not stop to talk in the fields."

As Jesus went into Capernaum, a soldier with Him did plead, "Sir, my servant is in pain and paralyzed, he is in great need." Jesus said, "I will come and your servant I will restore." The man replied, "You need only speak the word; I am not worthy to have you in my home, Lord. I too am one of authority and what I speak is carried out; so all you must do is speak the word, and I know it will be carried out."

Jesus was astonished at his words and spoke to those close behind, "There has not been one in Israel with such faith, that I could find. Many will come from the East and west and sit down in heaven at the feast, but those who were first called will not find for themselves a seat." Jesus then looked at the soldier and spoke to him again, "Go to your servant, he has been cured; just as your faith has said."

They then entered into Peter’s house, where his mother-in-law was sick in bed. Jesus touched her, the fever left, and she began to cook instead.

That evening, many were brought to Jesus; many who were possessed. With a command He drove out the spirits, cured everyone and gave them His rest. In so doing, He fulfilled what the Prophet Isaiah had spoken, ‘He, Himself took our weaknesses and the power of sickness was broken.’

When Jesus saw the crowd around Him, He gave orders to cross to the other side. "Master, I will follow you anywhere" spoke one of the Scribes. Jesus answered, "Foxes have holes, and birds have nests, but the Son of God has no place where He can lay His head."

Another man came to Jesus, "Let me go bury my father." He said. Jesus answered, "Follow me, and let those who are dead, bury their dead."

Jesus then entered a boat, and His disciples followed Him. Suddenly a storm broke out, and there was violence in the wind. The disciples became afraid; they feared for their life. Jesus was sleeping in the boat when the disciples cried, "Wake up, Christ! Don’t you care that we are dying, look how we are afraid!" Jesus simply rebuked the wind and the sea; He looked at them and said, "Where is your faith?" There was a great calm and the disciples were all amazed, "Who is this man that even the winds and the sea obey?"

They came to the country of the Gadarenes, where there were two men possessed with devils; they came and made quite a scene. "Why are you here? Why did you come? To Jesus they did speak. "Have you come to torment us? We wish this not to be."

A little way off, there were some swine; the devils begged Jesus to let them go into their minds. Jesus spoke; "Go!" And they came out of the men. The swine became violent and ran into the sea, never to be seen again.

Those who had been tending the swine went into the town. They told everything that happened and how the pigs were no longer around. This caused everyone to come out to meet Jesus, and to see what He had done. They wanted no part of Him; they preferred their own lust, instead of His love.

Chapter 9

Jesus then climbed into a boat and went to Capernaum, His hometown. Some men brought a paralyzed boy, who couldn’t walk around. Jesus seeing their faith spoke up and said, "Cheer up, your sins are forgiven; now come up out of that bed." Some of the religious leaders were there and they got very upset, "He is speaking against God" is what they were thinking in their heads.

Jesus knew their thoughts and asked, "Why do you choose to think this way? I, the Messiah, have authority to forgive, to take sins away. Then again, anyone can say these words. I will prove it to you, so you can see what you just heard." Jesus then turned to the man and this is what He said, "You can go home now, you are healed; go ahead, you can pick up and carry your bed."

The boy then jumped up and left, as fear swept through the crowd. They couldn’t believe their eyes, as they praised God out loud.

As Jesus continued walking down the road, He saw Matthew collecting taxes, and He said to him, "Let’s go." Matthew went along and they went into his house. Many sinners were there that one would normally kick out. When the Pharisees saw this, they became outraged, "Why does your teacher sit and eat with them? We don’t like the way He behaves."

Jesus heard their words so He spoke up and said, "Those who are well don’t need a doctor, but only the sick, instead. Go and learn what this means, my desire is that you be merciful and ready to help those in need. That you would reach out to others and hear their mournful plea; I didn’t come for those who think they have no flaws, I have come for those who have been bound up; entangled in the law. I came to bring them back to God, where they can be free. To show them the truth and supply every need."

John’s disciples then came to Jesus and asked Him, "Why is it, can you help us understand and see, why don’t your disciples fast like us and the Pharisees? Jesus replied, "Should a bridegroom’s friends fast when He is with them? When He is gone, they will fast again."

While Jesus continued to speak, one of the leaders came and worshipped at His feet. He said, "Jesus, my daughter has just died, but I know that if you come and touch her, she will come back to life."

So Jesus and His disciples went to go with the man, when suddenly a woman came from behind and touched his garment hem. This woman had been bleeding for twelve years; she knew that if she only touched his hem, she would be cured. Jesus turned and said, "It’s O.K. Daughter; your faith has caused your health." From that moment, she was made well.

Jesus then came to the house, where the girl had died; there were lots of people making noise inside. Jesus spoke to them, "That is enough, the girl is only asleep." They laughed at Him, and He put them out. He then lifted her to her feet.

 The news of this event traveled everywhere. As Jesus was leaving this place, two blind men stopped Him, right there. "Jesus, help us. We can’t see." "Do you think I am able to do this? Do you really believe?" "Yes, Lord, we believe." He then touched their eyes and said, "As is your faith, so let it be." Their eyes were opened right away, and they could truly see. Jesus said to them, "Don’t tell anyone" but they spread it around the whole country."

As Jesus went out, they brought him a man who had a devil, and he could not talk. Jesus looked at him and said, "Devil, pack your bags and walk!" Suddenly the man could speak, and the people were so surprised. The Pharisees, well they became angry and said that Jesus was the devil in disguise.

Jesus went to every village and city in that place. He spoke all about the Kingdom; He spoke of a new race. He healed people everywhere of every sickness and disease. He had much compassion for them; they were as lost sheep. He spoke to His disciples, "The harvest is great, but the laborers are few; urge the owner of the harvest to send more laborers that they may also come through."

 Chapter 10

Jesus then called His disciples and gave them authority: power over unclean spirits and to heal every kind of disease. There was Simon; called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James and John, the sons of Zebedee were a couple of others. There was Philip and also Bartho- lomew; then the tax collector whose name was Matthew. There was James, he was Alpheus son; there was also Thaddaeus. Simon the Zealot was another one. There was Judas Iscariot; he was the betrayer. Now to each of these, who were chosen, Jesus had given His favor.

Jesus said to each of them, "Do not go to the Gentiles or to any Samaritan town. Go to the lost sheep of Israel and bring them back around. Proclaim the Kingdom of heaven; tell them it is at hand. Cure the sick, raise the dead, and don’t charge any man. Take no gold or silver, take nothing in your purse; don’t take an extra staff, and don’t take an extra shirt. Don’t take a script for your journey, or an extra pair of shoes; everywhere I send, I will take care of you. When you enter into a house, give it your salute. If you find it to be unworthy, let your peace return to you. Whoever doesn’t receive you, or your word heed, as you leave that place shake the dust off your feet. It shall be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah, on Judgment Day, then for these people who were warned and would not hear what you had to say."

Chapter 11

When Jesus had finished giving His disciples command, He continued on His journey, to preach throughout the land. When John, who was in prison, heard of all that Jesus had done, He sent his disciples to ask, "Are you the one we’ve waited for? Are you the one who is to come?"

Jesus replied, "Go and explain all that you see and hear, how the blind see, the lamb walk, those who were deaf can now hear. The lepers are cleansed, the dead rise up, the poor are given hope; all that has been spoken has now come to be so. How fortunate is the one who refuses to be confused, because of the words he has heard me speak and the things he has seen me do."

After they left, Jesus began to speak about John, "What were your reasons for going to him? What were you thinking to gaze upon? Were you looking for someone weak, or one who dressed in fine clothes? Or were you looking for a man of God, like the prophets of old? A prophet yes, I tell you, and more than one has ever been. This is he, the messenger, of whom it has been written: ‘He will come first, before the one called Christ; he will prepare the way for the one who gives eternal life.’ No one has been greater than John, not in all of history. Yet, the meekest in the Kingdom of Heaven is even greater than he."

Jesus then openly condemned the cities where He did most of His mighty works; although they had witnessed all of them, they still chose a life of dirt. "Woe to Bethsada, woe to Chorazin, if these same works were done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented of their sin. I’m telling you, on Judgment Day, Tyre and Sidon will be more able to endure. And you also, Capernaum, have turned away from the cure."

Jesus then said, "Father, it is you that I recognize; you have revealed these things to babes and hidden them from the wise. My Father has trusted all things to me and just as I know Him and He knows me, I will only reveal Him to those who are hungry. Come to me, you are heavy, and I will give you rest; my yoke fits perfectly, and you shall have what is best. Allow me to teach you, my ways are gentle and true; you shall find rest for your souls as I give only light burdens to you. Many have kept you beneath heavy loads. Come, the truth is easy, there is a much better way to go."

Chapter 12

Jesus was walking through some grain fields, on the Sabbath day. His disciples were hungry so they began to eat the grain. Some Pharisees saw them, and they became upset, "Your disciples are breaking the law, you can’t work on this day of rest!"

Jesus replied, "Hello! Where have you been? Remember when King David was hungry, along with his friends? They went into the temple and ate the special bread. Haven’t you read the Law of Moses, the things that were said? The priests, who are on duty, break the Sabbath and still they are blessed?" There is one here that is to be honored more than the Sabbath itself. If you knew the meaning of scripture, you wouldn’t be thinking only of yourself. I require you to be merciful more that I want your offering. You should not condemn those who are not guilty; I, the Messiah, over the Sabbath, am King."

Jesus went over to the Synagogue, and he noticed a man; he looked a little different because he had a deformed hand. The Pharisees asked Jesus, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath day?" They were hoping to accuse Jesus with the answer he would say.

Jesus said, "If you had a sheep that slipped into a well, if it were on the Sabbath day, would you leave it there to wail? No, you would rescue it; you would do as you pleased. Now isn’t a person more valuable than that of a sheep? Yes, to do good on the Sabbath is a lawful thing." He then spoke, "Now stretch out your hand" and it became whole for the man.

The Pharisees then got together to plan Jesus arrest. This Jesus was one dude that they all wanted dead. Jesus knew what they were planning, and He left their vicinity. Many followed after Him, and He healed them all compassionately. Jesus warned the people not to spread around who He was. This all fulfilled what Isaiah spoke, ‘I have chosen Him, whom I delight in and love. I will pour my Spirit on Him and to the nations He will speak. He will not quarrel or cry out, and He won’t crush those who are weak. He will not quench the smallest hope, but will end all conflict with victory; His name shall be the hope of all nations. He is the Lord, the Christ.’ Yes, it was Isaiah who made this proclamation.

There was a man who had a demon; he was dumb and had no sight. After they brought him to Jesus, he could talk and see the light. The crowd was so amazed at all the works of Christ; "Maybe this is the Messiah. Look, see how he heals lives."

The Pharisees heard about the miracle Jesus had done; they claimed He was king of the devils and that’s why the demons would run.

Jesus knew their thoughts, and He spoke to them, "A kingdom divided against itself, is a kingdom that cannot stand. If I drive out demons by the help of Beelzebub, how do your own people cast them out? You have become your own judge! But, if it is by the Spirit of God, that these works of mine are done, then know the Kingdom of God has arrived, even before you expected it to come."

Some of the Scribes and Pharisees then wanted a miracle or a sign. They wanted proof, of who He was, even though they had already witnessed miracles of every kind.

 Jesus answered, "Only those who are unfaithful demand a sign, and the only one that will be given you is one of the Jonah kind. Just as Jonah was in the fish for three days and three nights, so shall it be with the Son of Man, as he is removed from your sight. On Judgment Day, the men of Nineveh will have you condemned; they repented when Jonah spoke, but you chose to reject the Son of Man. The Queen of the South will condemn you also, on Judgment Day; she traveled a great distance to hear Solomon; yet someone even greater stands before you this day."

As Jesus was speaking, His mother and brothers arrived. They desired to speak with Him, and they were waiting outside. Jesus spoke to the one that relayed this news to Him, "My mother, sister, and brothers are those who do the will of my Father in heaven."

Chapter 13

Later, Jesus left the house and went down by the sea. A large crowd was gathering so Jesus got into a boat and began to speak. He told them many things as they stood on the land. He spoke in illustrations to help them understand, "A farmer planted some seed, and some fell on the road. The birds came and ate it, so there was no way it could grow. Some fell in the gravel where there wasn’t very much dirt. That seed sprouted pretty fast, but when the sun came out, it all burnt. Some of it fell into the weeds, so when this grew it was choked. The weeds were very strong, which left the seed no hope. But, some fell on good ground and from it came much fruit. It multiplied thirty, sixty, a hundred times. Listen, what does this say to you?"

The disciples then came and asked Him, "Why do you speak this way?" Jesus answered, "So those with hungry hearts will understand what I have to say. The believers, who receive, will in my knowledge increase, but those who choose to reject shall not be given any peace. I speak this way because some refuse to see; although they hear, they choose not to listen to me. The words of Isaiah are fulfilled in these ones, ‘Although they see and hear, for the truth they have no love. These people’s hearts have turned hard because they gradually turned away. They closed their ears and eyes to the truth, so they could go their own way. They failed to hear or understand; they chose not to see; they closed off their hearts and rejected healing from me. Your eyes are blessed; they are eyes that see. Your ears are also blessed because your ears hear me. Many prophets and humble men have desired what you have been given, but it was not the right time, to them it had been forbidden."

Jesus continued to speak in illustration. He was relating stories about the Kingdom of Heaven. "It is like a man, who planted seed in his field; while he was sleeping, his enemy came and planted weeds so his seed would not yield. As the plants grew, the thistles sprang up too. His servants said, ‘Master, who did this to you? Didn’t we plant a good seed? How did this come to be?’ The master replied to them, ‘An enemy came and did this to me.’ They asked, ‘Shall we go and weed them out?’ ‘No,’ He replied, ‘If you do it now, the good plants will also die. Let them grow together until the harvest time; then I will have the reapers gather up the good and burn what is not mine.’"

Again, He spoke to them in yet another illustration. He was explaining the Kingdom of Heaven with this comparison; "A farmer took a mustard seed and planted it in his field; although it is the smallest of seeds, it gives the biggest yield. It is the largest of the garden herbs, even turns into a tree. The birds come to it and find a safe pace to sleep."

 Jesus continued on about the Kingdom of Heaven. He compared it to a woman baking bread, how it grows when she mixes it with leaven. Jesus spoke all of these things with illustrations. This was the only way that Jesus would talk to them. The prophets had told this, about the stories Jesus would say: ‘I will tell you of things that have been hidden since the very first day.’

Jesus went into the house and the disciples came in need, "Explain to us what you meant, about the good seed and the weeds."

"O.K. Said Jesus. "I am the farmer, and I plant the choice seed. The field is the world; the people of the Kingdom are the seed. The weeds are those of Satan; he planted the weeds. The harvest is the end of the world, and the reapers are the angels that serve me. As the thistles are separated and then they are burned, so it shall be at the end of the world, for all that from me have turned. I will send forth my angels to gather all who are for iniquity; they will cast them into the furnace where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. The righteous will then come forth, shining as the sun; those now in right standing with God, to be forever in His Kingdom."

"The Kingdom of Heaven is like a fisherman, he cast his net into the sea and gathered all the fish in. He kept the good ones and threw the bad away. Just as it will happen on Judgment Day, the angels will come and separate the wicked from those who are God’s. They will be thrown into the fire where the torment never stops." Jesus asked, "Do you understand?" They answered, "Yes we do." He then said, "Every teacher who receives me will have old truths with methods that are new."

When Jesus finished His stories, He went back home to Nazareth. They were all amazed when He taught at the Synagogue; they had never heard wisdom such as His. "How is this possible?" They wondered, "Look at the miracles He as done. Yet, we know His family; He is just a carpenter’s son." They actually became jealous and angry because Jesus was so great, and because of their unbelief there were only a few miracles in which they could partake. Jesus spoke up and said, "A prophet is honored everywhere, but when he comes into his own country, his people deny him there."

Chapter 14

When King Herod heard of Jesus, He thought it was John the Baptist back from the dead. Herod had John arrested and then cut off his head. It was because of his wife Herodious; she was Herod’s brother’s ex-wife. John had said it was wrong for Herod to marry her, and for that she wanted his life. He had wanted to Kill John, but he was afraid; many believed he was a prophet; because of this, Herod’s hand was stayed. But at Herod’s birthday party, his stepdaughter danced for him. He told her he’d give her anything, even up to half of his kingdom. Her mother had already instructed her daughter to ask for John the Baptist’s head; she wanted it on a platter she could finally have him dead. The King became sorry and very distressed, but he gave the order she desired, because he had made the oath in front of his guests. Herod gave the order; yes he spoke the word. Then on a platter, John’s head was served. It was given to his daughter, who took it to her mom; this woman rejoiced that her will had been done.

John’s body was then taken and buried by his men. Then they went to Jesus and told of this to Him. When Jesus heard the news, He went off on His own. He went to a quiet place in the desert, where He could be alone. But when the crowds saw Him, they went in His same direction. So Jesus healed them all because He was full of compassion.

The disciples then came to Jesus and told Him to tell the people to leave. It was getting late, and they needed to go buy themselves something to eat. Jesus said, "That isn’t necessary; you feed them." "But there are only five loaves and two fish," they replied to Him. "Bring them here," Jesus said. Then He told the people to sit down. He blessed the bread and fish and had His disciples pass it all around.

Everyone ate, and they were all filled. There were twelve full baskets left; now that was unreal! There were about five thousand men, not counting the women and the kids; they only had five loaves of bread and two fish, now how did Jesus do this?

Jesus then quickly sent His disciples to get into a boat and go to the other side. Then He sent the people off; they said their good-byes. Jesus went into the mountains alone; He went to pray for a while. By this time, out on the sea, the disciples were going through a stormy trial. They were being beaten and tossed by the waves; they were being thrown everywhere. Jesus came to them, walking on the sea, and this gave them an awful scare. When they saw Him, they screamed; they were terrified. Jesus spoke to them and said, "Don’t be afraid; it is I."

 Peter said, "Lord, if it’s really you, then have me come to you, on the water." Jesus said, "Come" and Peter did, but soon his faith began to falter. He looked at the waves and then felt the wind; when he did, fear came to him. He started to sink and cried out, "Lord, save me." So Jesus reached out and put him back on his feet. Jesus said to Peter, "Where is your faith? Why did you not believe?" When they reached the boat, the disciples were all worshiping on their knees.

When they got to land, they were in Gennaseret. Many recognized Him there and brought to Him all of their sick. Many begged Him to only let them touch His garment hem, and the many that did found that healing came to them.

Chapter 15

Then from Jerusalem came the Scribes and Pharisees; they were accusing the disciples for not washing before they eat. "They are violating our traditions, which have come from the rulers of the past. Tell us Jesus, why would you allow that?"

Jesus asked, "Why do you also violate this command, ‘Honor your father and mother that you may live long in the land?’ Remember what it says about those who treat their parents with disrespect? It says that they will soon come to their end in death. But you take what is theirs and your works you justify. You leave them in need saying, ‘This serves the God oh high.’ Isaiah the prophet spoke well of you: ‘These people say they honor me, but their hearts are from the truth. Their worship is worthless as they teach their man made laws; they worship their own selves and reject the God of all.’"

Jesus spoke to the crowds and said, "Listen, and try to understand. It is not what goes into your mouth that defiles a man. It’s the words that come out; the judgments that you choose to speak. These come from the heart and defile you; it is not how you choose to eat."

The disciples then said to Jesus, "Lord, don’t you know, the Pharisees were offended by the words you spoke." "Not a big deal", said Jesus, "they shall be rooted up. A plant not planted by my Father is planted without love. It is like a blind man who leads another who is blind, they both end up in the ditch because they are both of the same mind."

Peter then questioned Jesus, so he could better understand, "What did you mean, Jesus, when you said food doesn’t defile a man?" Don’t you see, Peter? Don’t you understand? Whatever you eat goes through the digestive tract and then comes out again. But the evil words you speak, they come out from an evil heart. Those words are what defile a man, when from your lips they depart."

Jesus left that area and walked about fifty miles. He went to Tyre and Sidon, where a woman came to Him, without a smile. She was from Canaan, and she came to plead with Him, "Please Sir, come and heal my daughter, she has a demon within. Have mercy on me, O Lord and King." Jesus ignored her as though He couldn’t hear or see.

His disciples then urged Him to send her away; "She is bothering us by carrying on that way." Jesus looked at her and He replied, "I was sent to help the Jews, not those who are of your kind." Yes, Lord, this is true; but even the dogs do come; they eat what falls from the table, they get to eat the crumbs." Jesus said to her; "Woman, your faith is very great. You have what you believe for; you no longer have to wait."

Jesus then left this place and returned to the Sea of Galilee. The Crowds came and brought their lame, blind, maimed and those who could not speak. They came to Jesus, and He healed everyone; new arms and legs; walking, talking, and jumping. They were so excited and having so much fun. Everyone was being healed! The crowds were so amazed. They recognized the God of Israel and thanked Him with hearts of praise.

Jesus called His disciples and said, "There is nothing for them to eat; they cannot go home like this or they will pass out on the street. "The disciples replied, "What are we supposed to do? We are in the desert and the desert does not grow food.

"How much food do you have?" "Seven loaves and two small fish." Then Jesus turned to the people and told them all to sit. He took the bread and fish and held them in hand; He gave thanks to the Father and carried on with His plan. He gave the food to the disciples to pass out to everyone. They gave it to the crowd and had enough for each one. Everyone there ate until they were full; there were four thousand, just counting the men. Afterwards there were seven full baskets left, even after feeding the women and children.

After they had eaten, Jesus sent the people home. He continued on to another land. He got into a boat and journeyed on to Magadan.

Chapter 16

Well, the Pharisees and Saduccees came out to question Jesus one day; kind of like an interview, but they were trying to tempt Him in some way. They wanted to see a miracle, some kind of a sign, "How about a great demonstration Jesus, something in the skies?"

Jesus replied, "You are good at reading signs in the skies, but it’s obvious that you can’t even read the sign of the times. A wicked and unfaithful generation is always looking for some proof, but the miracle of the Prophet Jonah will be the only sign given to you."

When the disciples reached the other side of the sea, they realized that they had forgotten to bring something to eat. Jesus spoke to them and said, Watch out for the leaven of the Pharisees, and also that of the Sadducees." The disciples thought He said this because they brought nothing to eat. When Jesus realized what they were thinking in their heads, He said, "Why are you discus- sing the fact that you don’t have any bread? How little you trust me, how little you understand; did you so easily forget the five loaves and the five thou- sand men? What about the seven loaves and the four thousand that were fed? How is it that you now think that I’m talking about bread? The problem is the leaven; the yeast from the Pharisees and Sadducees." Then they understood that He was talking about their teaching.

After Jesus went to the region of Caserea Phillipi, north of Galilee, He asked His disciples, "What do the people say about me?" "Well, some say you are John the Baptist, some say Elijah; some say one of the prophets, maybe even Jeremiah." He then looked at them, into each of their eyes. He said, "Tell me yourselves, who am I?" Simon, Peter answered; "Lord, you are the Christ; the Son of the living God from above." Jesus said, "You have been blessed, Simon Barjona; this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood. It is my Father, Himself; He has revealed this to you. It was not by your own thoughts that you came to this truth. Now I say, you are Peter, a stone; on this rock of truth, my church shall stand and be known. The corruption of evil shall no longer stand; the ways of the wicked shall be banned. I will give to you the keys, the power to restore life. I give to you the authority to do the works of Christ. Whatever you confirm as truth in heaven, it is so; whatever you prevent on earth, in heaven, it is known." He then gave His disciples a warning that they were not to tell anyone; not to speak that He was ‘Christ the Messiah’, God’s Son who is to come.

From then on, Jesus started revealing how He would go into Jerusalem. Of how He would suffer at the hands of the Jews who would bring death to Him. He also told them what would happen after three days, how He would come back to life; He would come out from the grave. Peter took Jesus aside and got on His case, "This will never happen to you; so don’t speak that way." Jesus turned to Peter and quite sternly said, "Get behind me, Satan! Your desires bring only death. Your ways are a snare to me; your thinking is blind. I see with the sight of God, but the enemy has influenced your mind. If anyone wants to follow me, he must give up all that he is. He must take up the cross of living the life that I chose for him to live. Anyone, who keeps his life and follows his own way, he shall actually have death, his life he will forsake. But whoever looses his own life, that He may have mine, this man has found life and shall in no way be denied."

Chapter 17

After six days, Jesus took Peter, James and John; He brought them to a high mountain, far away from everyone. As Jesus stood before them, He was transformed before their eyes. His face shone as the sun and His clothing became very bright. Moses and Elijah appeared and began talking to Jesus. Peter was beside himself; He said, "This is great for all of us!" If it’s O.K. with you Lord, I’ll make three tents here. One for you, Moses, and Elijah, Peter’s think- ing was not clear. As Peter was still speaking, a bright cloud covered all of them. Suddenly they heard a voice that came right out of heaven. "This is my Son, who I cherish. In Him is my pleasure. Hear and obey Him, there is no greater treasure."

The disciples were filled with fear and all fell on their faces. Jesus touched them and said, "Get up, don’t be afraid." When they looked up, Jesus was standing there alone. All they had witnessed was no longer being shown.

As they came down from the mountain, Jesus told them not to speak about this to anyone. After Jesus had risen from the dead, they could tell of it to everyone.

The disciples asked Him, "Why do they say that first Elijah must come?" Jesus answered, "He has, but look what they have done. They didn’t recognize him, and did to him what they pleased. They will do the same thing to the Son of man; persecution and death will also come to me." Right then the disciples came to the understanding that He was speaking about John; he was the one these things fell upon.

After they came down from the mountain, many people were there. A man came up to Jesus and knelt before Him in tears. "Sir, please heal my son, he suffers and looses his mind; he goes into seizures and falls into the fire all the time. I brought him to your disciples, but there was nothing they could do. Please, Jesus, heal my son; I’m begging this of you."

Jesus replied, "How long do I have to put up with you people? Why is it that you don’t see? All of this is available to you; bring him here to me." When they did, Jesus dismissed the devil; He commanded him to leave. The boy was then in his right mind; Jesus had set him free.

Later, the disciples asked Jesus, "Why couldn’t we cast that demon out?" Jesus answered, "Because of your faith; when you command, you must not doubt. If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you would just say, ‘Move’ and it would no longer be. All things would be possible for you. This spirit of unbelief will only leave when you pray and fast from food."

While they were in Galilee, Jesus said, "I am going to be betrayed; given over to the hands of those who will kill me. I’ll come back to life in three days." The disciples were filled with sorrow and dread. They really didn’t understand the words that Jesus just said.

The tax collectors came up to Peter, when they arrived in Capernaum, "Doesn’t your Master pay taxes?" "Of course He does." He said to them.

Peter then went in to Jesus, but before he could even speak Jesus said, "Hey Peter, what do you think? Do Kings collect taxes from their own people or foreigners?" "Foreigners." Replied Peter. "And that’s why they are here." Jesus said, "Then the people are free, but so we don’t offend them, go down to the sea; throw in a fishing line and take the first fish you catch. Take the coin from his mouth and pay both mine and your tax."

Chapter 18

The disciples came and asked Jesus who was the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus took a small child and placed him right in the middle of them. "See this small child? See their ways? They are always forgiving and trusting; these are Kingdom ways. Unless you change and become like one of them, you will not see God; you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven."

Peter then came to Jesus with a question in mind, "How often shall I forgive my brother; I think maybe seven times?" Jesus answered Peter, as He also spoke to the rest, "Seven times in not enough, but seventy times seven will show your Father’s love." (By this He was showing, that forgiveness should never be spent. No matter what is done to you, forgiveness will spare you from the curses of offense.)

Chapter 19

After Jesus finished speaking, He then left Galilee; many crowds followed Him and he healed all that were in need. Some Pharisees approached Him and with them came a question. They were hoping to trap Jesus and make a fool of Him. "Is it true by the law that we can divorce our wives? That there doesn’t have to be a special reason, but for anything that causes us strife?"

Jesus said, "Didn’t you read about the one who made them from the start? He made them male and female that they should never part. A man shall leave his father and his mother too, to be forever united with his wife, that one should come from the two. No man shall separate this which God has done; they are now joined together, no longer as two, but one."

They questioned, "Then why did Moses say it was O.K.; that we cold get a certificate of divorce and put her away?"

Jesus disciples spoke up, "If that’s the case, its better not to marry at all." Jesus replied, "That answer isn’t for everyone, but just for those who heard that call. Marriage is a special union, unable to be handled by all. Some are called to this, and others never give it a thought. Some are born without the desire; others are never accepted. Some have Kingdom reasons and marriage by them is reject- ed. Whichever way you can receive, then walk this way in truth; either way is acceptable, and my grace shall be with you."

Some little children were brought to Jesus so He would lay hands on them and pray. The disciples scolded those who brought them and told them to take them away. Jesus spoke up, "Leave the children be. God’s Kingdom is made up of such; don’t keep them from me." Jesus laid His hands on every one of them; after all were blessed He was on His way again.

A man came to Jesus asking, "Teacher what good must I do? How can I be certain of eternal life so I can always be with you? Jesus answered, "You ask me about being perfectly good. Only God can fill that place; if you would enter into life then keep God’s commandment way."

"What commandments?" He asked. "You shall not kill. Do not commit adultery; do not lie, and do not steal. Respect your father and mother; be sure to treat them well. And when it comes to your neighbor, be sure to love them as you do yourself."

The man then replied, "But I have done all of these things since I was very young. What else is required that I have not yet done?" Jesus said, "Sell all that you have and give it away; your treasure will then be in heaven, now come and follow me this day." When the young man heard these words he went away in distress; he had many possessions and did not expect a challenge such as this.

Jesus looked at His disciples, and He spoke to them; "It will be difficult for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. I’ll tell you about rich men, a camel can go through the eye of a needle easier than this one can enter the Kingdom of Heaven."

When the disciples heard these words, they were totally amazed. They questioned, "Then who can be saved?" Jesus looked at them and said, "With men this cannot be, but with God there is nothing that is an impossibility."

Peter said, "We have left everything to follow thee; tell me, what is it that we shall receive?"

Jesus answered Peter, "As redemption comes, when the Son of Man sits on His throne of Glory, you shall also sit with Him and judge. Those who have left your houses and the members of your family, those who have left their land to come and follow me, you shall receive one hundred times more of what you have sacrificed. Not only this, but you also have eternal life. There will be many that have come first who will find themselves to be last. These are the ones that have lost their thirst; instead of going forward, they have stayed in the past. Those who have been considered last shall find first place; they have thrown away religion and have sought my face."

Chapter 20

While Jesus was going to Jerusalem, He took His disciples aside; He began to explain to them how He was going to die. "We are going to Jerusalem, and I will be handed over to the Priests and Scribes; in their judgment against me, they will sentence me to die. They’ll give the Son of Man to the Gentiles to be mocked, whipped, and crucified. But on the third day, He will be raised again to life."

Zebedee’s wife then came to Jesus, and she brought her two sons; she asked Him to let them sit on His right and left, when He comes into His Kingdom. "You don’t realize what you are asking me. Are you able to share in my baptism and drink the same cup I drink?"

James and John answered Jesus; these two were her sons. "Yes, we are able to drink from the same one." Jesus replied, "Yes, you shall definitely drink from the same cup, but as far as the seats on my right and my left, they are not for me to give up. These are prepared for those whom my Father has already chosen. He is the one who decides and knows for who these seats have been spoken."

When the other ten heard what was going on, they became angry because those were the seats they wanted to sit on. Jesus gathered them together to get their thoughts in line; "You are behaving as the heathen who are filled with pride. This is not the way of those who would be great; those who humble themselves shall have the first place. Whoever desires within himself to be the very best, let him become the servant who leads others to their rest. Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, He came to give His life for others and to be their minister."

As they left Jerico, many people followed them. Two blind men were sitting by the road and heard that Jesus was coming again. They got all excited and cried out to Jesus; "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!"

The people that were around told them to tone it down, but they cried out even more and raised their voices loud. 

Jesus stopped and looked at them, "What would you like me to do?" "Lord, please open our eyes so that we may behold all of you." Jesus had com- passion and He touched their eyes. In that very instant they both received their sight.

Chapter 21

When they arrived near Jerusalem and came into the town of Bethpage, Jesus sent two of His disciples to go another way. "As you enter the village ahead, you will find a donkey with her young. Untie them and bring the to me, so I have something to ride on. If anyone comes to question you, tell them the Master has need of them; then you will not be hindered, and they will be given into your hand."

This was done just as the prophet did say, ‘Tell the daughter of Zion your King is on His way. He comes in humility, His glory He has lain aside. Not as the Kings of this earth, but on a donkey, He does ride.’

The disciples went and did all that Jesus spoke. They brought the donkey along with her colt. They laid their clothes on them, so Jesus could be seated. As He rode into town, my how He was greeted! Multitudes laid out their clothes and cut branches from trees; this was the carpet they laid out for Jesus their King. They cried out, "Hosanna!" They cried our much praise; "Blessed is He that comes to us in the name of the Lord, this day!"

The whole city of Jerusalem was stirred as He came in, "Who is this?" They asked, "Why are they saying this to Him?"

Jesus went into the temple and threw out those who turned it into a store; "This was not what the temple of God was made for." He knocked over the money tables and the stalls of those selling doves, "You have tuned my Father’s house into a den of thieves, this is not my Father’s love! This is a place of prayer, and you have used it to steal and cheat. This will be the end of you; this will be your defeat!"

 The blind and crippled came to Him, and He healed them on the spot. When the Jewish leaders saw these things, their tempers grew mighty hot! There were wonderful miracles and even the children were singing His praise. With indignation the Jewish leaders asked Him, "Do you hear what the children say?"

"Yes," Jesus answered. "Did you read what the scriptures say? It has been written that even the babes would give Him praise."

Jesus then left the temple and went out of their sight. He went into Bethany and there He spent the night. In the morning, as he was returning to Jerusalem, He got hungry and noticed a fig tree, but it yielded no fruit to Him. He cursed the fig tree saying, "You shall never bear fruit again." At that very same moment, the tree withered right in front of them. 

The disciples were utterly amazed, "How can this thing be? You spoke the word and it withered immediately!" Jesus said, "If you have faith, if you truly believe, you can even speak to the Mt. Of Olives and it will move into the sea. It will happen for you; it will happen as you speak. You can get anything you ask, if only you believe."

When Jesus returned to the temple, He began to teach. The High Priest and leaders asked, "Who gave you this authority to speak?" Jesus answered and said, "I also have a question for you, if you can answer me, then I will answer too. The baptism that John performed, was this from God or man?" They talked among themselves before they would answer Him, "If we say from heaven, then He’ll ask why we did not believe, but if we say of men then the people won’t be pleased. They spoke to Jesus, answering "We don’t know." Jesus replied, "Then the answer to your question shall also be untold."

Jesus continued, "What do you think? There was a man with two sons. He needed some help so he went to the first one. ‘Son, go work in my garden.’ ‘No!’ The son replied. Then the son repented and to his father’s will he complied. The father then went to the second son and spoke to him the same. The son said, ‘Yes, I will.’ But he never showed his face. Which one would you say did his father’s will?" "The first one", They replied. Then Jesus began more things to reveal.

 "I’m telling you, thieves and whores will go into heaven before you; John came in righteousness, and you would not receive his truth. The thieves and whores believed everything he said; they turned their lives around, but you watched and wanted him dead."

 "Here is another story: A wealthy farmer planted a vineyard. He fenced it, dug a winepress, and put up a watchtower. He put it in care of others because he had to go away. When time came for the harvest, he sent his servants to collect his pay. When they arrived at the vineyard, one of them was beat; the second was killed, and they threw stones at the third one, who went running down the street. The owner then sent others, but they were treated the same. The owner then thought, ‘Surely they will receive my son,’ and he sent him in his name. When the workers saw the son, they were quite glad, they figured they would kill his son, and they would keep the land. They grabbed the owner’s son, and Him they killed. They had decided in their hearts that they would follow their own will. When the owner of the vineyard comes what do you suppose He will do?" They answered; "He will destroy them and assign the vineyard to those who will be true."

 Jesus replied; "Did you ever read in scriptures about the stone the builders did reject? How it became the cornerstone, how it became the head? This is the work of the Lord, which causes us to be in awe; the Kingdom shall be taken from you and given to those who will fulfill their call. Whoever stumbles on this stone shall be broken, that you can surely trust. But, whoever this stone falls upon, that one shall be ground into dust."

When the religious leaders heard these words, they knew He was speaking of them; in anger they wanted His arrest, but they knew the people honored him.

Chapter 22

Jesus spoke to them again using stories to explain; He told them of the Kingdom of heaven, and He did it this way: "God’s Kingdom is like a King who threw a wedding banquet for His son. He sent servants to call the invited guests, but they refused to come. He then sent other servants, to call them once again, to let them know the food was ready and that they should come in. But they paid no attention and ignored what the servants had to say; they treated it as contempt and went about their own way. Others grabbed His servants and treated them with disrespect; they treated them shamefully and put them to death. When the King heard of this, his anger burned very hot. He burned their city and killed them on the spot. He then told his servants that the wedding feast was set, but those who were invited proved unworthy to be His guests."

The Pharisees then went out and tried to devise a plan; there had to be a way they could trip up this man. They sent their disciples, along with Herod’s men; they tried to get Him to say anything that they could use to accuse Him.

They came to Jesus and said, "Teacher we know that you are sincere; you teach the true ways of God, and the opinions of man, you do not hear. You’re not afraid of consequences, and you hold no one in high esteem, so what do you think about taxes? Should they be paid to Caesar the King?"

Jesus was aware of their plot and said, "Why are you playing games? You are hypocrites; you don’t even use your brain. Show me the money that you use to pay your tax." They brought it to him quickly hoping this would be His ax. Jesus said, "Whose image and title do you see on here?" "It’s Caesars." They replied, as they listened closely with open ears. "Then give to Caesar all that belong to him, and give to God all that is His."

When they heard His answer, they were all so amazed. They walked away speechless, there was nothing more they could say.

Some Pharisees then came along to try and mess with Jesus head. They were ones who didn’t believe in the resurrection of the dead. "Master, Moses said that if a man dies and doesn’t have any kids, his brother should marry the widow and raise a family for him. Well, there were seven brothers, and the first one married and died, but there were no children so she was left to be his brother wife. The second brother also died, and he was childless; it went down to the seventh until there were no brothers left. Last of all, the woman also died. Now in the resurrection, to which of the seven will she be the wife?"

Jesus replied, "You are wrong on both things; you don’t know God’s way, or what the scriptures have to say. In the resurrected state, there will be no marrying. They are like the angels focused on the King. As far as the resurrection which concerns the dead, you have no idea of what the scriptures have said; I am the God of the living, not the God of the dead. The God of Abram, Issac and Jacob." When the people heard this, they were impressed.

When the Pharisees heard of how Jesus got the Sadducees in a rut, they gathered themselves together to try and trip Him up. "Which is the greatest command?" The lawyer asked, waiting for His reply. Jesus said, "Love the Lord your God, with all of your heart and mind. To love your neighbor, as yourself is the next great command you’ll find. If you will obey these two, the rest will just fall in line."

Jesus then directed a question to the Pharisees, "What about the Messiah, whose son is He?"

"The son of David." Was their reply.

Jesus asked, "How can that be? Don’t you remember the words that David by the Spirit did speak, ‘The Lord said to my Lord, sit here at my right hand until I put all enemies under your feet?’ If David calls Him Lord, how can He be his son?" No one was able to answer, so they dared not ask another question.

Chapter 23

Jesus then talked to the crowd and His disciples; "You see the Scribes and Pharisees? They love to act like Moses and sit in the place of authority. They expect you to submit to everything they say, but I’m telling you, don’t even follow their ways. Follow their teachings of Moses, but don’t follow their laws. They give you heavy burdens, but they don’t follow that walk."

Chapter 24

Jesus departed from the temple and was going on His way; the disciples pointed to the building, and this is what Jesus had to say, "Do you see all of these things? To you they look so sound, but there won’t be one stone left; it will all be torn down."

When Jesus was at the Mt. Of Olives, the disciples came to him, "Tell us when will this take place? When will you come back, and when will it be the end?"

Jesus said, "Be careful that you are not deceived, many will come in my name trying to appropriate that which belongs to me. They will call themselves Christ and lead many astray. Don’t listen to them, do not hear what they have to say."

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

When Jesus finished telling the story He said, "The Passover is in two days; I shall then be crucified; yes, I shall be betrayed."

The chief priests and Jewish officials were meeting with Caiphas, the High Priest. They were discussing how to arrest and kill Jesus; they were meeting secretly. They discussed among themselves that it could not be during the Passover feast. That it would only cause a riot and would bring their defeat.

Jesus was then back in Bethany, at Simon the leper’s house; a woman came in with some oil and Jesus, she doused. She had an alabaster jar filled with very precious perfume. She poured it on His head as He was eating, and the fragrance filled the room.

The disciples became upset, "What’s the deal?" This is a waste. This could have been sold for the poor so they could have food to taste." Jesus spoke up; He knew what was going on, "Why are you giving her a hard time for the noble thing that she has done? The poor will always be here among you, but you won’t always have me. She is preparing me for my burial and will be remembered whenever this gospel is preached. From the North, the South, the West and the East, what she had done will always be told in honor of her memory."

Judas Iscariot then went to the High Priests; he wanted to see how much he would be paid. He was willing to set Jesus up for them; he made the commitment that day. Carefully, Judas began to watch all of Jesus ways. He waited for the perfect opportunity, where Jesus, he could betray.

On the first day of unleavened bread, that is bread made without yeast, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Where shall we prepare to eat the Passover feast?" Jesus answered, "Go into the city to a certain man, tell him I will eat the Passover at his house, because my time is now at hand."

The disciples went and did everything the way Jesus had instructed them. They prepared the Passover meal so they could share it together with Him.

Jesus sat down together with the twelve. It was now evening. He spoke up and said; "This night, one of you will betray me." Sorrow came into their hearts as each asked; "Lord is it me?" Jesus answered, "It is one who has been with me and has served with me daily. I am truly leaving just as it was prophesied, but there will be much misery for the one who turned me in to die."

Judas, the one who betrayed Him said; "Master, is it I?" Jesus answered, "Yes", as He gazed into his eyes.

As they were sitting there, Jesus took bread and broke it in pieces; He gave a piece to each of the guys. "Take this", He said. "This is my body which you must eat to survive." Then while giving thanks to the Father, He gave them from a cup to drink. He said, "This is my blood, given for what is to be; I won’t drink this again, until the day we meet. It will be in my Father’s Kingdom where together we will take out seat."

Then to the Mt. of Olives they went, after they sang a hymn. "You will all desert me this night." Jesus said to them. "It has been written by the prophets, I’m sure you have heard; ‘I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep will scatter.’ After I’m brought back to life, I’ll go ahead into Galilee." Peter spoke up and said, "The others may fall away from you, but it isn’t going to be me."

Jesus said, "I’m telling you, Peter, before the cock crows this night, there will be three times when my name, you will deny." Peter said, "No Lord; your name is one that I will never deny. I would do anything for you; I would even die." The others all agreed that they would do the same. They all said they would never deny that they knew His name.

Jesus then brought them to a garden; they were in Gethsemane that day. He said, "Sit and wait" while He went off to pray. He took Peter, James, and John with Him, and He began to suffer in agony; "My soul is heavy to the point of death, pray and watch with me." Jesus walked a little further and then He fell on His face; He cried, "My Father, if it is possible, deliver me from this time and place. But it is not my will that I wish you to empower, let your will be done as I surrender to this hour."

He then went to His disciples and found them fast asleep; "Peter, couldn’t you stay awake just one hour with me? Watch and pray so you don’t enter into unbelief; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is very weak."

He went again a second time and these are the words He prayed, "Father, if this is your will for me, then don’t take this cup away." He went back to His disciples and found them fast asleep; their eyes were very heavy; their flesh was very weak.

Jesus went a third time and again prayed the same thing. He then returned to His disciples and said; "Are you still resting? Get up the time has come, my betrayer is at hand; let’s go and meet the one who has betrayed the Son of Man."

As Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of His disciples came; with him was a great crowd, and they were carrying swords and staves. Now Judas, the betrayer, had given them a sign, he said, "The one that I kiss is the one you need to bind." So Judas came up to Jesus and said, "Master" and gave Him a kiss. He then embraced Him as he pretended to be a friend of His.

 Jesus replied, "Friend, what is the reason that you are here?" Then they arrested Jesus and took Him in their care. One of the disciples took out his sword; he cut off the High Priest’s servant’s ear. Jesus said, "Put your sword away, that is not why we are here. Those who use swords will be killed. I could send for thousands of angels, but then how would the scriptures be fulfilled?"

Jesus then turned and spoke to the crowd; "You come after me like a robber, as though I were vicious and loud. You have even come out now with swords. What about when I was in the temple daily teaching? Why do you think it is that then you didn’t seize me? All this has taken place to fulfill what the prophets have said." At that moment all of His disciples deserted Him, they all fled.

Those who arrested Jesus took Him to the High Priest. Here all the Scribes and elders gathered; they had all taken a seat.

Peter followed at a distance to the courtyard of the High Priest. He then went inside and sat with the guards, so he could see.

The Chief Priests and Sanhedrin sought for false witnesses who would testify. They wanted everyone against Jesus; they wanted Him to die. Although many false witnesses came, they all contradicted one another. Finally they were able to find two who managed to agree with each other. "He said He could destroy the temple and then rebuild it in three days." The High Priest said to Jesus, "Well, what do you have to say? Did these words come from you? What they are saying, is it the truth?"

Jesus didn’t speak, neither did He nod. The High Priest then demanded, "I command you tell us in the name of the living God! Is it true; do you claim to be the Son of God?" Jesus replied, "Yes, it is as you state, but even more than that listen to what I say; you see me now, and you will see me again. I will be sitting at the right hand of God, returning in the clouds of heaven."

The High Priest got so mad he tore his own clothes, "This is blasphemy, there is nothing more we need to know." The High Priest then asked the others, and this is what they said, "Yes we have heard this blasphemy, He is guilty and our verdict is death."

They then spit in His face and slapped Him with their fists. They said, "Hey, Son of God, what do you think of this? Tell us who hit you; don’t you know our name? If you’re the Son of God, then prophesy these things."

Peter was sitting in the courtyard when a girl came up and said; "You were with Jesus of Galilee." Peter denied it loudly, and his face turned all red. Later Peter was out on the porch when he was again recognized; "You were with Jesus the Nazarene!" Peter answered, "That is a lie!"

A while later, those who had heard the accusation of the girl came to Peter and said, "It’s your accent, it betrays you; you are one of them." In anger, Peter began to curse and swear; "I don’t even know the man!" He said. Immediately a cock crowed, and Jesus words went through Peter’s head, "Before the rooster crows, three times you will deny me." When Peter remembered these words, he went out and wept bitterly.

Chapter 27

Early in the morning, the decision had been made. Jesus would be put to death, so they bound Him and took Him away. They took Him to Pilate; he was the Roman governor. Now that the Jews needed Pilate, they would use his ruler ship in their favor.

When Judas, Jesus betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, he became tormented in his mind and he tried to make things right again. He took the thirty pieces of silver and brought them to the elders and High Priest; "I’ve betrayed an innocent man" he said. "You have got to set him free." "That is your problem" they replied. "It’s not our responsibility."

In despair, Judas threw the money on the temple floor and went and hung himself on a tree.

The Chief Priests picked up the money saying, "This we cannot take; it’s against our laws to take blood money and put it in the holy collection plate. So they discussed it and bought the potter’s field of clay. They made it into a cemetery where foreigners would be laid. They call that cemetery, ‘The Field of Blood’ even to this very day. The words of Jeremiah had now been fulfilled, ‘Their worth of Jesus was now used to purchase the potter’s field.’

As Jesus stood before the Governor, He was asked; "Are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus replied; "It is as you say." But the Governor’s thoughts were not in tune.

As the Priests and Jewish leaders accused Jesus, He made no reply. Pilate was amazed; Jesus did not speak one word to save His life. "Don’t you hear what they are saying; all of these things they witness against you?" Jesus didn’t say a word, and Pilate was deeply moved.

It was the Governor’s custom, at this particular feast, the crowd could choose a prisoner, and he would be released. There was a well-known prisoner, who was guilty of many crimes; his name along with Jesus came forth at this time.

Pilate spoke, "Who shall I release? Do you wish for Barabbas, or shall Jesus, the one called Christ, be set free?" Pilate knew that Jesus had been delivered to him out of envy.

As Pilate sat at the judgment seat, his wife came with a warning, "Leave this man be; I have suffered many things because of Him, in a dream."

The Chief Priests and elders had all ready persuaded the crowds; they should choose Barabbas and put Jesus in the ground.

The Governor asked the crowds, "Which one do you desire?" Barabbas!" They cried out as they were convinced that Jesus was a liar.

Pilate asked, "Then what of Jesus, who is called Christ?" "Crucify Him!" They cried; "He is the one who needs to die."

The Governor then asked, "Why? What evil has He done?" But they shouted all the louder saying, "Crucify this one!" Let His blood be on us and on our kids." So Pilate set Barabbas free and had Jesus whipped. He then handed Jesus over to be crucified. Barabbas was one of the sinners for whom Jesus would now die.

The soldiers took Jesus into the palace and stripped off His clothes. The whole battalion was mocking Him, as they dressed Him in a scarlet robe. They placed a crown of thorns on His head, and for a scepter they gave Him a reed. They then knelt before Him in mockery, "Hail King of the Jews!" They cried out and said. Then they took a stick and beat Him on the head.

After they had beaten and mocked Him, they took back the scarlet robe; they gave Him back His own garments and led Him down the road. They came to a place called Golgotha, which means the place of the skull. When He cried, "I thirst." He refused the wine they mixed with gall.

After the crucifixion, they threw dice and gambled for His clothes; another scripture fulfilled, spoken by the prophets of old.

They sat down and watched Him, putting a sign over His head; on it was written, ‘Jesus the King of the Jews,’ the reason for His death.

At the same time, along with Jesus, two robbers were crucified. One was on the right and the other on His left side.

People passed by Him in contempt yelling abuse; "You can destroy and build the temple in three days? Well then let’s see you get loose!"

The Chief Priests and Jewish elders chimed in with their songs, "He saved others from death, but with Him, look what goes on. So you’re the King of Israel, and you expect us to believe? Come on down from that cross, then we’ll stick with you and never leave. He trusted in God, well where is God’s approval now? Didn’t He say He was God’s Son? Well, lets see God get Him down."

The robbers at His sides also made fun of Him; they mocked Him along with the rest, with no regard for their own sin.

From noon till three o’clock only darkness could be seen. Then Jesus cried out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Eli, Eli lama sabachthani" are the words that He cried out. Some thought He was calling for Elijah when they heard Him shout. One of those standing by ran with a sponge and soaked it in sour wine for Jesus to drink. Others said, "Leave Him alone, let’s see if Elijah will set Him free."

Jesus cried out another time and with that His spirit left. Right then, the temple curtain tore; from top to bottom it ripped in half. The earth then shook, the rocks were split, and the tombs were opened wide. Many saints that were once dead had now come back to life. They went into the Holy City. They appeared to many people and showed how they had been raised to life.

The sergeant and his soldiers saw all these things taking place. In fear he cried out and said, "This truly was the Son of Man, who came to save the human race."

There were also many women there, watching from far away; they had followed Jesus from Galilee, boldly ministering to Him that day. Among these women was Mary of Magdalene, and also Mary the Mother of James and Joseph, the sons of Zebedee.

In the evening a disciple of Jesus, Joseph of Arimathea arrived. He went to Pilate and asked him for the body of Christ. Pilate granted Joseph’s request and commanded the body given to Him. Joseph took the body of Christ and wrapped it in clean linen. He laid the body in his own tomb; it had been just recently cut from rock. They laid a large stone across the entrance and then they left that spot. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary decided to stay. They sat there in plain view of where Jesus had been laid.

The next day, the High Priests and Pharisees went to Pilate and said to Him, "That deceiver said that after three days, He would rise again. We ask that you issue a command and secure the tomb until the third day. Otherwise His disciples may come and steal His body away. Then they will tell everyone that He rose from the dead. The last deception will be worse than the first; do you understand our dread?" Pilate said, "you have guards so go, take your precautions the best that you know." So they kept a watch at the tomb, and together with the guards, they sealed Jesus room.

Chapter 28

Saturday was now ending with the light of Sunday in bloom. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were now coming to see the tomb. Suddenly there was an earthquake. An angel from heaven did appear. He rolled the stone away from the tomb and then sat on it right there. He looked just like lightning, and His clothing was whiter than snow. The guards became so afraid, like dead men, they froze.

The angel spoke to the women and said, "Do not be afraid. You are seeking Jesus, who was crucified; but from death, He has now been raised. He has risen, just as He said. Come and see where He had been laid. Now go quickly and tell His disciples that Jesus has risen from the grave. He will go before you, into Galilee, and just as I have told you, Jesus you all shall see."

The women then left the tomb in a hurry; they were filled with joy and fear. They ran to tell the disciples when Jesus suddenly appeared. "Hello!" He said to them. They fell down and worshipped at His feet. He said, "Don’t be afraid, go and tell my brothers that I’ll meet them in Galilee."

While the women were on their way, some guards went to the Chief Priests; they spoke to them of the occurrence and of everything they had seen. The Chief Priests gathered the elders together and decided to bribe the police. They paid them to say that the disciples came and took Jesus, when they fell asleep; "If the governor hears this news, this is the story we will relate. That way we’ll all be in agreement, and you will be kept safe." So they agreed to the bribes, and they spread the news. That is the story that is still believed today, among the Jews.

The eleven disciples then went into Galilee; they went to the mountain where Jesus promised they would meet. When they saw Him, they were full of worship, but some of them were in doubt. Jesus broke the silence by speaking these words out; "All of the authority of heaven and earth has been given to me. Now go and make disciples out of everyone you meet. Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; teach them to obey what I have said, teach them all you know. Remember that I am always with you, I will never leave. Every where you go, is where I will be."

Sonia Stikovich © 2000

The Book of Matthew, Written in Psalm