Even now the ax is laid at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”

Then Jesus, in the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and news about him spread throughout the surrounding countryside.

Immediately he stood up before them, picked up the stretcher he had been lying on, and went home, glorifying God.

Now it was during this time that Jesus went out to the mountain to pray, and he spent all night in prayer to God.

Then he looked up at his disciples and said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for the kingdom of God belongs to you.

Soon afterward Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went with him.

When John’s messengers had gone, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?

Now one of the Pharisees asked Jesus to have dinner with him, so he went into the Pharisee’s house and took his place at the table.

For nothing is hidden that will not be revealed, and nothing concealed that will not be made known and brought to light.

Jesus then asked him, “What is your name?” He said, “Legion,” because many demons had entered him.

Now a large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside, and the demonic spirits begged Jesus to let them go into them. He gave them permission.

He said to them, “Take nothing for your journey – no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, and do not take an extra tunic.

Wherever they do not receive you, as you leave that town, shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.”

When the apostles returned, they told Jesus everything they had done. Then he took them with him and they withdrew privately to a town called Bethsaida.

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

As he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud.

Now when the days drew near for him to be taken up, Jesus set out resolutely to go to Jerusalem.

Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but first let me say goodbye to my family.”

and forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And do not lead us into temptation.”

“No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a hidden place or under a basket, but on a lampstand, so that those who come in can see the light.