The Gospel of Matthew for Readers | Page 3

the kingdoms of the world in all their glory. He said, All these things I will give thee if thou will bow down and worship me. Then Jesus said, Get thee hence, Satan, for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God and Him only shalt thou serve. Then the devil left Him. And, behold, angels came and ministered to Him.
When Jesus heard that John was cast into prison, He departed into Galilee. And, leaving Nazareth, He dwelt in Capernaum on the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim. This He did so that what was spoken by Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled: In the land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim by the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people which sat in darkness saw great light. And to those who sat in the region and shadow of death, light is sprung up. From this time forward Jesus began His teaching of repentance because the kingdom of God is at hand.
As Jesus walked by the sea of Galilee, He saw Simon, called Peter, and Andrew, his brother. They were fishers and were casting a net into the sea. He said to them, Follow me and I will make you fishers of men. They left their nets and followed Him.
Going on from there, Jesus saw two other brethren, James, the son of Zebedee, and John. They were in a boat, mending their nets, with Zebedee, their father. Jesus called them and they immediately left the boat and their father and followed Him. Then Jesus went all about Galilee, teaching in the synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and disease among the people.
His fame spread throughout all Syria. They brought to Him sick people who were taken with diverse diseases, torments, and those who were possessed with devils. They brought those who were lunatic, and those who had palsy. He healed them. Great multitudes of people from Galilee, and from Decapolis, and from Jerusalem, and from Judaea, and from beyond Jordan followed Him. 5 Seeing the multitudes, He went up into a mountain and sat. His disciples came and He taught them: Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst after righteousness for they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure of heart for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they who are persecuted for righteousness' sake for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye when men revile and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad. Great is your reward in heaven. And, likewise, they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Ye are the salt of the earth. If the salt loses its savour it is good for nothing except to be cast out and walked on. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. A candle is not lighted to be put under a bushel, but on a candlestick. This way it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men that they see your good works reflecting only your Father in heaven.
Do not think that I came to destroy the law or the words of the prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For verily I say, Until heaven and earth pass away, not one jot or one tittle shall pass from the law until all is fulfilled. Whoever breaks one of these least commandments, and teaches others to do likewise shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever shall keep these least commandments and teach them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. Unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, there is no way ye shall enter the kingdom of heaven.
Ye have heard it was said of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment. But I say to you, Whoever is angry with his brother shall be in danger of the judgment. Whoever shows contempt toward his brother shall be in danger of the council. But whosoever curses his brother is in danger of hell fire.
So, if thou bring a gift to the altar and then remember that thy brother has something against thee, leave the gift before the altar. Be reconciled to thy brother first. Then come