By saying this you testify against yourselves that you are descendants of those who murdered the prophets.

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have not come to abolish these things but to fulfill them.

Rejoice and be glad because your reward is great in heaven, for they persecuted the prophets before you in the same way.

“For this reason I am sending you prophets and wise men and experts in the law, some of whom you will kill and crucify, and some you will flog in your synagogues and pursue from town to town,

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those who are sent to you! How often I have longed to gather your children together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you would have none of it!