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?

I tell you, among those born of women no one is greater than John. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he is.”

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.

So Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” He replied, “Say it, Teacher.”

Simon answered, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled.” Jesus said to him, “You have judged rightly.”

Therefore I tell you, her sins, which were many, are forgiven, thus she loved much; but the one who is forgiven little loves little.”

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.

“No one lights a lamp and then covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a lampstand so that those who come in can see the light.

Now Jesus’ mother and his brothers came to him, but they could not get near him because of the crowd.

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

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.

So the demons came out of the man and went into the pigs, and the herd of pigs rushed down the steep slope into the lake and drowned.

When the herdsmen saw what had happened, they ran off and spread the news in the town and countryside.

because he had an only daughter, about twelve years old, and she was dying. As Jesus was on his way, the crowds pressed around him.

Now Herod the tetrarch heard about everything that was happening, and he was thoroughly perplexed, because some people were saying that John had been raised from the dead,

Then he said to them all, “If anyone wants to become my follower, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.

For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.

But I tell you most certainly, there are some standing here who will not experience death before they see the kingdom of God.”

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

John answered, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him because he is not a disciple along with us.”