What Jesus Said About Purpose, Calling & Life Direction (103 Teachings)

The Father is glorified when disciples bear much fruit.

Read the Scripture John 15:8

King James Version

John 15:8

⁸Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

Unity among Jesus' followers is meant to reflect the unity of Father and Son.

Read the Scripture John 17:20–23

King James Version

John 17:20–23

²⁰Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
²¹That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
²²And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
²³I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

Jesus came to preach in other towns because that is part of his mission.

Read the Scripture Mark 1:38; Luke 4:43

King James Version

Mark 1:38

³⁸And he said unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth.

Luke 4:43

⁴³And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent.

Whoever follows Jesus will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.

Read the Scripture John 8:12

King James Version

John 8:12

¹²Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

Jesus calls obedient disciples friends because he has made the Father's purposes known.

Read the Scripture John 15:14–15

King James Version

John 15:14–15

¹⁴Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
¹⁵Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

Jesus chose and appointed his disciples to bear lasting fruit.

Read the Scripture John 15:16

King James Version

John 15:16

¹⁶Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

Each disciple should follow Jesus rather than compare assignments.

Read the Scripture John 21:19–22

King James Version

John 21:19–22

¹⁹This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.
²⁰Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee?
²¹Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?
²²Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.

Work for food that endures to eternal life, not only perishable food.

Read the Scripture John 6:27

King James Version

John 6:27

²⁷Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.

Continuing in Jesus' word marks genuine discipleship.

Read the Scripture John 8:31

King James Version

John 8:31

³¹Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;

Jesus' sheep hear his voice and follow him.

Read the Scripture John 10:27

King James Version

John 10:27

²⁷My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

Believe in the light while the light is present.

Read the Scripture John 12:35–36

King James Version

John 12:35–36

³⁵Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.
³⁶While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.

Seek God's kingdom first and trust him for provision.

Read the Scripture Matthew 6:33; Luke 12:31

King James Version

Matthew 6:33

³³But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Luke 12:31

³¹But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Enter through the narrow gate rather than the broad road to destruction.

Read the Scripture Matthew 7:13–14; Luke 13:24

King James Version

Matthew 7:13–14

¹³Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
¹⁴Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Luke 13:24

²⁴Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.

Losing one's life for Jesus leads to true life.

Read the Scripture Matthew 10:39; 16:25; Mark 8:35; Luke 9:24

King James Version

Matthew 10:39

³⁹He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.

Matthew 16:25

²⁵For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.

Mark 8:35

³⁵For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.

Luke 9:24

²⁴For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.

Gaining the whole world is worthless if one forfeits the soul.

Read the Scripture Matthew 16:26; Mark 8:36–37; Luke 9:25

King James Version

Matthew 16:26

²⁶For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

Mark 8:36–37

³⁶For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
³⁷Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

Luke 9:25

²⁵For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?

Do not be ashamed of Jesus and his words.

Read the Scripture Mark 8:38; Luke 9:26

King James Version

Mark 8:38

³⁸Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.

Luke 9:26

²⁶For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father’s, and of the holy angels.

Deny yourself, take up the cross, and follow Jesus.

Read the Scripture Matthew 16:24; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23

King James Version

Matthew 16:24

²⁴Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

Mark 8:34

³⁴And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

Luke 9:23

²³And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

Take up the cross daily.

Read the Scripture Luke 9:23

King James Version

Luke 9:23

²³And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

A servant is not greater than his master.

Read the Scripture Matthew 10:24–25; John 13:16; 15:20

King James Version

Matthew 10:24–25

²⁴The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord.
²⁵It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?

John 13:16

¹⁶Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.

John 15:20

²⁰Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.

Go and do as the merciful Samaritan did.

Read the Scripture Luke 10:37

King James Version

Luke 10:37

³⁷And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

Sell possessions and give to the needy when discipleship requires it.

Read the Scripture Luke 12:33; 18:22; Matthew 19:21; Mark 10:21

King James Version

Luke 12:33

³³Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.

Luke 18:22

²²Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.

Matthew 19:21

²¹Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.

Mark 10:21

²¹Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.

The rich ruler was called to release the possession that ruled him and follow Jesus.

Read the Scripture Matthew 19:21; Mark 10:21; Luke 18:22

King James Version

Matthew 19:21

²¹Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.

Mark 10:21

²¹Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.

Luke 18:22

²²Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.

Celibacy for the kingdom is a calling for those able to receive it.

Read the Scripture Matthew 19:11–12

King James Version

Matthew 19:11–12

¹¹But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given.
¹²For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother’s womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.

Love for family must not outrank allegiance to Jesus.

Read the Scripture Matthew 10:37; Luke 14:26

King James Version

Matthew 10:37

³⁷He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

Luke 14:26

²⁶If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.

Follow Jesus and become fishers of people.

Read the Scripture Matthew 4:19; Mark 1:17

King James Version

Matthew 4:19

¹⁹And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

Mark 1:17

¹⁷And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.

Leave competing loyalties when Jesus' call requires immediate obedience.

Read the Scripture Matthew 4:20–22; Mark 1:18–20; Luke 5:11

King James Version

Matthew 4:20–22

²⁰And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.
²¹And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.
²²And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.

Mark 1:18–20

¹⁸And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him.
¹⁹And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets.
²⁰And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him.

Luke 5:11

¹¹And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.

Do not let burial obligations become an excuse for indefinitely postponing discipleship.

Read the Scripture Matthew 8:21–22; Luke 9:59–60

King James Version

Matthew 8:21–22

²¹And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.
²²But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.

Luke 9:59–60

⁵⁹And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.
⁶⁰Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.

Those who follow Jesus should expect insecurity rather than guaranteed earthly comfort.

Read the Scripture Matthew 8:19–20; Luke 9:57–58

King James Version

Matthew 8:19–20

¹⁹And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.
²⁰And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.

Luke 9:57–58

⁵⁷And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.
⁵⁸And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.

Proclaim the kingdom rather than remaining trapped by backward-looking obligations.

Read the Scripture Luke 9:60

King James Version

Luke 9:60

⁶⁰Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.

Do not begin following Jesus while constantly looking back.

Read the Scripture Luke 9:61–62

King James Version

Luke 9:61–62

⁶¹And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.
⁶²And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

Count the cost of discipleship.

Read the Scripture Luke 14:25–35

King James Version

Luke 14:25–35

²⁵And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them,
²⁶If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.
²⁷And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.
²⁸For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?
²⁹Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him,
³⁰Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.
³¹Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?
³²Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace.
³³So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.
³⁴Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned?
³⁵It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Be willing to renounce all possessions when they conflict with following Jesus.

Read the Scripture Luke 14:33

King James Version

Luke 14:33

³³So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.

Whoever does not bear the cross and follow Jesus cannot be his disciple.

Read the Scripture Luke 14:27

King James Version

Luke 14:27

²⁷And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.

A disciple is not above the teacher but should become like the teacher.

Read the Scripture Matthew 10:24–25; Luke 6:40

King James Version

Matthew 10:24–25

²⁴The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord.
²⁵It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?

Luke 6:40

⁴⁰The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master.

If the world persecuted Jesus, disciples should expect persecution.

Read the Scripture John 15:18–20

King James Version

John 15:18–20

¹⁸If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.
¹⁹If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
²⁰Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.

Greatness is measured by service rather than rank.

Read the Scripture Matthew 20:25–28; Mark 10:42–45; Luke 22:25–27

King James Version

Matthew 20:25–28

²⁵But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.
²⁶But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;
²⁷And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:
²⁸Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

Mark 10:42–45

⁴²But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them.
⁴³But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister:
⁴⁴And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.
⁴⁵For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

Luke 22:25–27

²⁵And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.
²⁶But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.
²⁷For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.

Whoever wants to be first should become servant of all.

Read the Scripture Matthew 20:26–27; Mark 9:35; 10:43–44

King James Version

Matthew 20:26–27

²⁶But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;
²⁷And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:

Mark 9:35

³⁵And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.

Mark 10:43–44

⁴³But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister:
⁴⁴And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.

The Son of Man models leadership by serving and giving his life.

Read the Scripture Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45

King James Version

Matthew 20:28

²⁸Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

Mark 10:45

⁴⁵For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

Do not compete over status; the least among disciples can be great.

Read the Scripture Luke 9:46–48

King James Version

Luke 9:46–48

⁴⁶Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest.
⁴⁷And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child, and set him by him,
⁴⁸And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.

Do not seek the best seats and public honor.

Read the Scripture Matthew 23:6–12; Luke 14:7–11; 20:46

King James Version

Matthew 23:6–12

⁶And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,
⁷And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.
⁸But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.
⁹And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.
¹⁰Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.
¹¹But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.
¹²And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

Luke 14:7–11

⁷And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms; saying unto them,
⁸When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him;
⁹And he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room.
¹⁰But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.
¹¹For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

Luke 20:46

⁴⁶Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts;

Remain watchful and faithful while the master is away.

Read the Scripture Matthew 24:45–51; Mark 13:33–37; Luke 12:35–48

King James Version

Matthew 24:45–51

⁴⁵Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?
⁴⁶Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
⁴⁷Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.
⁴⁸But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming;
⁴⁹And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken;
⁵⁰The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of,
⁵¹And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Mark 13:33–37

³³Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.
³⁴For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.
³⁵Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:
³⁶Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.
³⁷And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.

Luke 12:35–48

³⁵Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning;
³⁶And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately.
³⁷Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.
³⁸And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.
³⁹And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through.
⁴⁰Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.
⁴¹Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all?
⁴²And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?
⁴³Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
⁴⁴Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.
⁴⁵But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken;
⁴⁶The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.
⁴⁷And that servant, which knew his lord’s will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.
⁴⁸But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

Greater responsibility brings greater accountability.

Read the Scripture Luke 12:47–48

King James Version

Luke 12:47–48

⁴⁷And that servant, which knew his lord’s will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.
⁴⁸But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

Use entrusted abilities rather than burying them through fear.

Read the Scripture Matthew 25:14–30; Luke 19:11–27

King James Version

Matthew 25:14–30

¹⁴For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.
¹⁵And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
¹⁶Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.
¹⁷And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.
¹⁸But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money.
¹⁹After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.
²⁰And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
²¹His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
²²He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.
²³His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
²⁴Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:
²⁵And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.
²⁶His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:
²⁷Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
²⁸Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.
²⁹For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.
³⁰And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Luke 19:11–27

¹¹And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.
¹²He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return.
¹³And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.
¹⁴But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us.
¹⁵And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading.
¹⁶Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds.
¹⁷And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.
¹⁸And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds.
¹⁹And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities.
²⁰And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin:
²¹For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow.
²²And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow:
²³Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury?
²⁴And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds.
²⁵(And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.)
²⁶For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him.
²⁷But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.

Faithful stewardship is rewarded with greater responsibility.

Read the Scripture Matthew 25:21, 23; Luke 19:17

King James Version

Matthew 25:21, 23

²¹His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
²³His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

Luke 19:17

¹⁷And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.

Fearful inaction toward entrusted responsibility can be judged severely.

Read the Scripture Matthew 25:24–30; Luke 19:20–26

King James Version

Matthew 25:24–30

²⁴Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:
²⁵And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.
²⁶His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:
²⁷Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
²⁸Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.
²⁹For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.
³⁰And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Luke 19:20–26

²⁰And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin:
²¹For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow.
²²And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow:
²³Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury?
²⁴And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds.
²⁵(And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.)
²⁶For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him.

Wash one another's feet in the pattern of Jesus' humble service.

Read the Scripture John 13:12–17

King James Version

John 13:12–17

¹²So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?
¹³Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.
¹⁴If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.
¹⁵For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
¹⁶Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.
¹⁷If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.

Love one another as Jesus has loved you.

Read the Scripture John 13:34–35; 15:12, 17

King James Version

John 13:34–35

³⁴A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
³⁵By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

John 15:12, 17

¹²This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
¹⁷These things I command you, that ye love one another.

Mutual love is a public mark of Jesus' disciples.

Read the Scripture John 13:35

King James Version

John 13:35

³⁵By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

Greater love lays down one's life for friends.

Read the Scripture John 15:13

King James Version

John 15:13

¹³Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Abide in Jesus.

Read the Scripture John 15:4–7

King James Version

John 15:4–7

⁴Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
⁵I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
⁶If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
⁷If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

A branch cannot bear fruit by itself; disciples must remain in the vine.

Read the Scripture John 15:4–5

King James Version

John 15:4–5

⁴Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
⁵I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

Fruitlessness leads to judgment imagery, while fruitful branches are pruned.

Read the Scripture John 15:2, 6

King James Version

John 15:2, 6

²Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
⁶If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.

Abide in Jesus' love by keeping his commands.

Read the Scripture John 15:9–10

King James Version

John 15:9–10

⁹As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
¹⁰If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.

Jesus intends his disciples to have his joy.

Read the Scripture John 15:11

King James Version

John 15:11

¹¹These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

The world may hate disciples because Jesus chose them out of the world.

Read the Scripture John 15:18–19

King James Version

John 15:18–19

¹⁸If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.
¹⁹If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

Do not let your heart be troubled; trust God and trust Jesus.

Read the Scripture John 14:1, 27

King James Version

John 14:1, 27

¹Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
²⁷Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Jesus prepares a place for his people and will bring them to himself.

Read the Scripture John 14:2–3

King James Version

John 14:2–3

²In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
³And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

Love for Jesus is expressed by keeping his commandments.

Read the Scripture John 14:15, 21, 23–24

King James Version

John 14:15, 21, 23–24

¹⁵If ye love me, keep my commandments.
²¹He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
²³Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
²⁴He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me.

Do not let fear rule the heart; receive Jesus' peace.

Read the Scripture John 14:27

King James Version

John 14:27

²⁷Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Expect tribulation but take courage because Jesus has overcome the world.

Read the Scripture John 16:33

King James Version

John 16:33

³³These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Feed and tend Jesus' sheep.

Read the Scripture John 21:15–17

King James Version

John 21:15–17

¹⁵So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
¹⁶He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
¹⁷He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

Follow Jesus even when following may lead to suffering or death.

Read the Scripture John 21:18–19

King James Version

John 21:18–19

¹⁸Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.
¹⁹This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.

Receive the Holy Spirit.

Read the Scripture John 20:22

King James Version

John 20:22

²²And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:

The mission includes making disciples, baptizing, and teaching obedience to all Jesus commanded.

Read the Scripture Matthew 28:19–20

King James Version

Matthew 28:19–20

¹⁹Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
²⁰Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

In the initial mission, the Twelve focus on the lost sheep of Israel.

Read the Scripture Matthew 10:5–6

King James Version

Matthew 10:5–6

⁵These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
⁶But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

Travel lightly rather than stockpiling money and supplies.

Read the Scripture Matthew 10:9–10; Mark 6:8–9; Luke 9:3; 10:4

King James Version

Matthew 10:9–10

⁹Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses,
¹⁰Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.

Mark 6:8–9

⁸And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse:
⁹But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats.

Luke 9:3

³And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece.

Luke 10:4

⁴Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.

Stay with receptive hosts rather than moving for advantage.

Read the Scripture Matthew 10:11; Mark 6:10; Luke 9:4; 10:7

King James Version

Matthew 10:11

¹¹And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence.

Mark 6:10

¹⁰And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place.

Luke 9:4

⁴And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart.

Luke 10:7

⁷And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.

If a town refuses the message, leave and shake off the dust as testimony.

Read the Scripture Matthew 10:14; Mark 6:11; Luke 9:5; 10:10–12

King James Version

Matthew 10:14

¹⁴And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.

Mark 6:11

¹¹And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.

Luke 9:5

⁵And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them.

Luke 10:10–12

¹⁰But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say,
¹¹Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.
¹²But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city.

Do not be anxious beforehand about what to say under persecution.

Read the Scripture Matthew 10:19–20; Mark 13:11; Luke 12:11–12; 21:14–15

King James Version

Matthew 10:19–20

¹⁹But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.
²⁰For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.

Mark 13:11

¹¹But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.

Luke 12:11–12

¹¹And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say:
¹²For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.

Luke 21:14–15

¹⁴Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:
¹⁵For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.

Fear God, whose judgment reaches beyond physical death.

Read the Scripture Matthew 10:28; Luke 12:4–5

King James Version

Matthew 10:28

²⁸And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Luke 12:4–5

⁴And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.
⁵But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.

Do not rejoice primarily in spiritual power; rejoice that your names are written in heaven.

Read the Scripture Luke 10:17–20

King James Version

Luke 10:17–20

¹⁷And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.
¹⁸And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.
¹⁹Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
²⁰Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

Wait for power from on high before undertaking the promised mission.

Read the Scripture Luke 24:49

King James Version

Luke 24:49

⁴⁹And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

Make disciples of all nations.

Read the Scripture Matthew 28:19

King James Version

Matthew 28:19

¹⁹Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Baptize disciples in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Read the Scripture Matthew 28:19

King James Version

Matthew 28:19

¹⁹Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Teach disciples to obey everything Jesus commanded.

Read the Scripture Matthew 28:20

King James Version

Matthew 28:20

²⁰Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Proclaim the gospel to all creation.

Read the Scripture Mark 16:15

King James Version

Mark 16:15

¹⁵And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

Textual note: Mark 16:9–20 (the longer ending of Mark) is not found in some of the earliest manuscripts.

Beware the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees: their teaching and their hypocrisy.

Read the Scripture Matthew 16:5–12; Mark 8:15; Luke 12:1

King James Version

Matthew 16:5–12

⁵And when his disciples were come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread.
⁶Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.
⁷And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have taken no bread.
⁸Which when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread?
⁹Do ye not yet understand, neither remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets ye took up?
¹⁰Neither the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many baskets ye took up?
¹¹How is it that ye do not understand that I spake it not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees?
¹²Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.

Mark 8:15

¹⁵And he charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod.

Luke 12:1

¹In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.

The wise and foolish builders teach that hearing Jesus without obedience is ruinous, while obedience gives stability.

Read the Scripture Matthew 7:24–27; Luke 6:46–49

King James Version

Matthew 7:24–27

²⁴Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
²⁵And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
²⁶And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
²⁷And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

Luke 6:46–49

⁴⁶And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?
⁴⁷Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like:
⁴⁸He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.
⁴⁹But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.

The watchful servants teach readiness for the master's return.

Read the Scripture Luke 12:35–38

King James Version

Luke 12:35–38

³⁵Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning;
³⁶And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately.
³⁷Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.
³⁸And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.

The tower builder teaches counting the cost before claiming discipleship.

Read the Scripture Luke 14:28–30

King James Version

Luke 14:28–30

²⁸For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?
²⁹Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him,
³⁰Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.

The king considering war teaches sober calculation of the cost of discipleship.

Read the Scripture Luke 14:31–32

King James Version

Luke 14:31–32

³¹Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?
³²Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace.

The unworthy servants teach that obedience does not make God indebted to the servant.

Read the Scripture Luke 17:7–10

King James Version

Luke 17:7–10

⁷But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat?
⁸And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?
⁹Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not.
¹⁰So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.

The parable of the pounds teaches faithful stewardship during the king's absence and accountability at his return.

Read the Scripture Luke 19:11–27

King James Version

Luke 19:11–27

¹¹And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.
¹²He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return.
¹³And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.
¹⁴But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us.
¹⁵And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading.
¹⁶Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds.
¹⁷And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.
¹⁸And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds.
¹⁹And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities.
²⁰And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin:
²¹For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow.
²²And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow:
²³Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury?
²⁴And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds.
²⁵(And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.)
²⁶For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him.
²⁷But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.

The grain of wheat teaches that death can be the path to multiplied fruit.

Read the Scripture John 12:24

King James Version

John 12:24

²⁴Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.

The healed demoniac is told to proclaim what God has done for him.

Read the Scripture Mark 5:19; Luke 8:39

King James Version

Mark 5:19

¹⁹Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.

Luke 8:39

³⁹Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him.

Jesus' compassion for crowds includes teaching and feeding them.

Read the Scripture Matthew 14:13–21; Mark 6:34–44; Luke 9:10–17; John 6:1–13

King James Version

Matthew 14:13–21

¹³When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities.
¹⁴And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.
¹⁵And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals.
¹⁶But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat.
¹⁷And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes.
¹⁸He said, Bring them hither to me.
¹⁹And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.
²⁰And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full.
²¹And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children.

Mark 6:34–44

³⁴And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.
³⁵And when the day was now far spent, his disciples came unto him, and said, This is a desert place, and now the time is far passed:
³⁶Send them away, that they may go into the country round about, and into the villages, and buy themselves bread: for they have nothing to eat.
³⁷He answered and said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they say unto him, Shall we go and buy two hundred pennyworth of bread, and give them to eat?
³⁸He saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go and see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes.
³⁹And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass.
⁴⁰And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties.
⁴¹And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them; and the two fishes divided he among them all.
⁴²And they did all eat, and were filled.
⁴³And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes.
⁴⁴And they that did eat of the loaves were about five thousand men.

Luke 9:10–17

¹⁰And the apostles, when they were returned, told him all that they had done. And he took them, and went aside privately into a desert place belonging to the city called Bethsaida.
¹¹And the people, when they knew it, followed him: and he received them, and spake unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing.
¹²And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place.
¹³But he said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they said, We have no more but five loaves and two fishes; except we should go and buy meat for all this people.
¹⁴For they were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, Make them sit down by fifties in a company.
¹⁵And they did so, and made them all sit down.
¹⁶Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude.
¹⁷And they did eat, and were all filled: and there was taken up of fragments that remained to them twelve baskets.

John 6:1–13

¹After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias.
²And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased.
³And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples.
⁴And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh.
⁵When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?
⁶And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do.
⁷Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little.
⁸One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, saith unto him,
⁹There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?
¹⁰And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.
¹¹And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.
¹²When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.
¹³Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.

When the abomination of desolation appears and Jerusalem is surrounded by armies, those in Judea must flee without delay.

Read the Scripture Matthew 24:15–22; Mark 13:14–20; Luke 21:20–24

King James Version

Matthew 24:15–22

¹⁵When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)
¹⁶Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:
¹⁷Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house:
¹⁸Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.
¹⁹And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!
²⁰But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day:
²¹For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
²²And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.

Mark 13:14–20

¹⁴But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judæa flee to the mountains:
¹⁵And let him that is on the housetop not go down into the house, neither enter therein, to take any thing out of his house:
¹⁶And let him that is in the field not turn back again for to take up his garment.
¹⁷But woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!
¹⁸And pray ye that your flight be not in the winter.
¹⁹For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be.
²⁰And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect’s sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.

Luke 21:20–24

²⁰And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.
²¹Then let them which are in Judæa flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto.
²²For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.
²³But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people.
²⁴And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.

Do not delay urgent flight by returning for possessions.

Read the Scripture Matthew 24:17–18; Mark 13:15–16; Luke 17:31

King James Version

Matthew 24:17–18

¹⁷Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house:
¹⁸Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.

Mark 13:15–16

¹⁵And let him that is on the housetop not go down into the house, neither enter therein, to take any thing out of his house:
¹⁶And let him that is in the field not turn back again for to take up his garment.

Luke 17:31

³¹In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back.

Remember Lot's wife.

Read the Scripture Luke 17:32

King James Version

Luke 17:32

³²Remember Lot’s wife.

Rejecting the path of the cross can reflect human rather than divine priorities.

Read the Scripture Matthew 16:22–23; Mark 8:32–33

King James Version

Matthew 16:22–23

²²Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.
²³But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.

Mark 8:32–33

³²And he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him.
³³But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.

Jesus declares the completion of his mission: "It is finished."

Read the Scripture John 19:30

King James Version

John 19:30

³⁰When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

Follow Jesus.

Read the Scripture Matthew 4:19; 8:22; 9:9; 16:24; 19:21; Mark 1:17; 2:14; 8:34; 10:21; Luke 5:27; 9:23, 59; 18:22; John 1:43; 21:19, 22

King James Version

Matthew 4:19

¹⁹And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

Matthew 8:22

²²But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.

Matthew 9:9

⁹And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.

Matthew 16:24

²⁴Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

Matthew 19:21

²¹Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.

Mark 1:17

¹⁷And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.

Mark 2:14

¹⁴And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphæus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him.

Mark 8:34

³⁴And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

Mark 10:21

²¹Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.

Luke 5:27

²⁷And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said unto him, Follow me.

Luke 9:23, 59

²³And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
⁵⁹And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.

Luke 18:22

²²Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.

John 1:43

⁴³The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me.

John 21:19, 22

¹⁹This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.
²²Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.

When Jesus tells tired fishermen to cast the net again, their obedience after failure is rewarded.

Read the Scripture Luke 5:4–6; John 21:6

King James Version

Luke 5:4–6

⁴Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.
⁵And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.
⁶And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.

John 21:6

⁶And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.

Do not be afraid; from now on you will catch people.

Read the Scripture Luke 5:10

King James Version

Luke 5:10

¹⁰And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.

When his betrayer arrived, Jesus got up and went to meet him rather than hide.

Read the Scripture Matthew 26:46; Mark 14:42

King James Version

Matthew 26:46

⁴⁶Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.

Mark 14:42

⁴²Rise up, let us go; lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand.

The risen Jesus told the women not to be afraid, and to tell his brethren to meet him in Galilee.

Read the Scripture Matthew 28:10

King James Version

Matthew 28:10

¹⁰Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.

Do not hinder someone casting out demons in Jesus' name merely because he is outside the immediate group.

Read the Scripture Mark 9:39; Luke 9:50

King James Version

Mark 9:39

³⁹But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me.

Luke 9:50

⁵⁰And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.

Jesus invited his first followers to come and see where he was staying.

Read the Scripture John 1:39

King James Version

John 1:39

³⁹He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour.

Reaper and sower can rejoice together in God's mission.

Read the Scripture John 4:36–38

King James Version

John 4:36–38

³⁶And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.
³⁷And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth.
³⁸I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.

Jesus' sheep hear, are known, follow, and receive eternal life.

Read the Scripture John 10:27–28

King James Version

John 10:27–28

²⁷My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
²⁸And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

Whoever serves Jesus must follow him, and the Father will honor that servant.

Read the Scripture John 12:26

King James Version

John 12:26

²⁶If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.

Jesus' followers remain in the world though they are not of the world.

Read the Scripture John 17:14–16

King James Version

John 17:14–16

¹⁴I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
¹⁵I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.
¹⁶They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

Jesus refuses political or popular manipulation of his mission.

Read the Scripture John 6:15; 7:6–8; 18:36

King James Version

John 6:15

¹⁵When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.

John 7:6–8

⁶Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is alway ready.
⁷The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.
⁸Go ye up unto this feast: I go not up yet unto this feast; for my time is not yet full come.

John 18:36

³⁶Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.

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