Read the Modern Pastor’s Version

When Jesus had called his twelve disciples together, he gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out and to heal every disease and sickness. The names of the twelve apostles were these: Simon, also known as Peter, and his brother Andrew; James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew the tax collector, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Canaanite, Judas Iscariot, who would later betray him.

Jesus sent these twelve out and instructed them to go to the lost sheep of Israel's household. "Don't go into the way of the Gentiles," he told them, "and don't enter any city of the Samaritans. Instead, go to the towns where it is hard for people to find God." As they traveled, Jesus commanded them to preach, saying, "The kingdom of heaven has come near."

Healing and delivering were also part of their mission: "Heal the sick, cleanse those who are unclean, raise the dead, and cast out demons. You have received this freely from me; give it freely to others." When they went on a journey, Jesus told them not to take any money or supplies with them, for the laborer is worthy of receiving their food without cost.

When you enter a town or city, find someone who is deserving and stay there until you leave. When you come into a house, greet it first. If the people inside welcome you, let your peace remain with them; but if they do not receive you, let your peace return to you. Whoever does not listen to you or accept your message should be treated as though you are just shaking off dust from your feet.

It will be better for the towns of Sodom and Gomorrah on judgment day than for those places that reject you. You're like sheep sent out into a field with wolves, so be clever and harmless like serpents and doves. Be cautious around people, because they'll arrest you and flog you in their synagogues. They'll take you to the authorities and governors because of me, where you'll have the opportunity to testify against them.

When they hand you over to be tried, don't worry about what to say; it will be given to you at that moment what you need to say. What you speak is not your words but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Your family members will betray one another and have each other killed, while children will turn against their parents and cause them to be put to death.

You'll be hated by everyone because of my name; however, if you persevere until the end, you will be saved. When they persecute you in one place, run to another. I promise that you won't have gone through all of Israel's towns before the Son of Man comes again.

A student is not greater than their teacher, and a servant is not superior to their master. If they call the house owner Beelzebub, how much more will they insult his family members? Don't be afraid of them; nothing is hidden that won't be revealed, and nothing concealed that won't come out into the open.

What I've told you in secret, share openly with others. And what you hear whispered, proclaim it from the rooftops. You shouldn't fear those who can harm your bodies but are unable to destroy your souls; instead, you should be afraid of the one who has authority over both body and soul.

Two sparrows might cost just a few cents, yet even they won't fall without my Father knowing about it. But every hair on your head is counted. You're worth more than many birds!

If you declare me to the world, I will also announce you before my heavenly Father; but if you deny me in front of people, I will also deny you before him.

I've come to bring division among people and make them choose sides, rather than peace. Those who refuse to carry their cross and follow me are my enemies. I'm here to set a person against their family member and a daughter against her mother-in-law. It's often those closest to us – even within our own homes – that become our enemies.

Anyone who loves father or mother more than they love me is not worthy of being called my follower. If someone prefers their son or daughter over me, they're also unworthy. If you don't take up your cross and follow me, you're not a true follower.

The one who finds their life will lose it, but the one who gives up their life for me will find eternal life. Anyone who welcomes you is welcoming me; anyone who welcomes me is welcoming the One who sent me. Whoever receives a prophet in my name will receive a reward just like the prophet's, and whoever welcomes a righteous person in my name will get a reward similar to that of the righteous one.

Giving someone even a cup of cold water because they're one of these little ones in my name won't go unrewarded – you'll still gain your full reward.