like the accounts passed on to us by those who were eyewitnesses and servants of the word from the beginning.

so that you may know for certain the things you were taught.

They were amazed at his teaching, because he spoke with authority.

“Now the parable means this: The seed is the word of God.

So Herod questioned him at considerable length; Jesus gave him no answer.

But she was greatly troubled by his words and began to wonder about the meaning of this greeting.

That is why I did not presume to come to you. Instead, say the word, and my servant must be healed.

This report about Jesus circulated throughout Judea and all the surrounding country.

But he replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it!”

He answered them, “I will also ask you a question, and you tell me:

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

Then he said to them, “What are these matters you are discussing so intently as you walk along?” And they stood still, looking sad.

Now Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing around him to hear the word of God.

But the news about him spread even more, and large crowds were gathering together to hear him and to be healed of their illnesses.

“Everyone who comes to me and listens to my words and puts them into practice – I will show you what he is like:

But as for the seed that landed on good soil, these are the ones who, after hearing the word, cling to it with an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with steadfast endurance.

But he replied to them, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.”

Now about eight days after these sayings, Jesus took with him Peter, John, and James, and went up the mountain to pray.

“Take these words to heart, for the Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men.”

She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he said.