Read the Modern Pastor’s Version

Jesus had been preaching and healing in many places, and he was now back in his hometown. One day, he entered a ship and crossed over to the other side of the lake.

As he arrived, people brought him a man who was paralyzed and lying on a bed. Jesus saw their faith and said to the paralytic, "Son, be encouraged; your sins are forgiven." But some of the scribes thought to themselves, "This man blasphemes," because only God can forgive sins.

Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked them, "Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk'?" He then turned to the paralytic and said, "But get up and go home. Your sins are forgiven." The man got up, took his bed, and went back to his house.

The crowds were amazed at this miracle, and they gave glory to God for giving Jesus such authority. As Jesus continued on from there, he saw Matthew sitting at the tax office and said to him, "Follow me." Matthew immediately got up and followed him.

Jesus spent time with Matthew and other tax collectors, as well as sinners who had come to hear him teach. The Pharisees criticized him for eating with such people, saying, "Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" But Jesus replied, "Those who are healthy have no need of a physician, but those who are sick."

He also explained that he came to call sinners to repentance, quoting the prophet Hosea: "I desire mercy, not sacrifice." The disciples of John the Baptist asked him why his followers didn't fast like they did. Jesus said, "Can the groomsmen mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? But when he's taken away from them, then they'll fast."

He also used a parable to explain that new wine can't be put into old containers, or it will burst and spill. Instead, new wine should be put into fresh containers, where both are preserved.

As Jesus continued teaching, a ruler came to him and said, "My daughter is dying now; but come, lay your hand on her, and she'll live." Jesus followed the ruler with his disciples, while a woman who had been bleeding for twelve years touched his garment. Jesus felt the power leave him, turned to her, and said, "Daughter, be of good comfort; your faith has made you whole." She was immediately healed.

When they arrived at the ruler's house, Jesus saw people making a commotion and said, "Give room, for the girl is not dead but sleeping." The crowd laughed at him in scorn. But when he put everyone out and went inside, he took her hand, and she got up.

The news of this miracle spread throughout that region, and many people were amazed. As Jesus left there, two blind men followed him, crying out for mercy. He asked them if they believed he could heal their blindness, and they replied, "Yes, Lord." Then he touched their eyes, saying, "According to your faith be it done unto you," and their sight was restored.

Jesus instructed them to keep this miracle a secret, but as soon as they left, they spread his fame throughout that area. Next, people brought him a man who was mute and possessed by a demon, and when the demon was cast out, the man began speaking.

The Pharisees claimed that Jesus was using demonic power to heal people, saying he was casting out demons by the power of the ruler of demons. But Jesus went on teaching in many cities and villages, preaching the good news of God's kingdom and healing every kind of sickness and disease among the people.

As he looked at the crowds, Jesus felt compassion for them because they were helpless and scattered like sheep without a shepherd. He knew that there was an abundance of harvest but few workers to gather it in. So he asked his followers to pray that the Lord of the harvest would send out more workers into God's harvest field.