Weymouth New Testament in Modern Speech: Matthew | Page 3

up the chaff in unquenchable fire." 003:013 Just at that time Jesus, coming from Galilee to the Jordan, presents Himself to John to be baptized by him. 003:014 John protested. "It is I," he said, "who have need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" 003:015 "Let it be so on this occasion," Jesus replied; "for so we ought to fulfil every religious duty." Then he consented; 003:016 and Jesus was baptized, and immediately went up from the water. At that moment the heavens opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him, 003:017 while a voice came from Heaven, saying, "This is My Son, the dearly loved, in whom is My delight." 004:001 At that time Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the Desert in order to be tempted by the Devil. 004:002 There He fasted for forty days and nights; and after that He suffered from hunger. 004:003 So the Tempter came and said, "If you are the Son of God, command these stones to turn into loaves." 004:004 "It is written," replied Jesus, "`It is not on bread alone that a man shall live, but on whatsoever God shall appoint.'" 004:005 Then the Devil took Him to the Holy City and caused Him to stand on the roof of the Temple, 004:006 and said, "If you are God's Son, throw yourself down; for it is written, "`To His angels He will give orders concerning thee, and on their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any moment thou shouldst strike thy foot against a stone.'" 004:007 "Again it is written," replied Jesus, "`Thou shalt not put the Lord thy God to the proof.'" 004:008 Then the Devil took Him to the top of an exceedingly lofty mountain, from which he caused Him to see all the Kingdoms of the world and their splendour, 004:009 and said to Him, "All this I will give you, if you will kneel down and do me homage." 004:010 "Begone, Satan!" Jesus replied; "for it is written, `To the Lord thy God thou shalt do homage, and to Him alone shalt thou render worship.'" 004:011 Thereupon the Devil left Him, and angels at once came and ministered to Him. 004:012 Now when Jesus heard that John was thrown into prison, He withdrew into Galilee, 004:013 and leaving Nazareth He went and settled at Capernaum, a town by the Lake on the frontiers of Zebulun and Naphtali, 004:014 in order that these words, spoken through the Prophet Isaiah, might be fulfilled, 004:015 "Zebulun's land and Naphtali's land; the road by the Lake; the country beyond the Jordan; Galilee of the Nations! 004:016 The people who were dwelling in darkness have seen a brilliant light; and on those who were dwelling in the region of the shadow of death, on them light has dawned." 004:017 From that time Jesus began to preach. "Repent," He said, "for the Kingdom of the Heavens is now close at hand." 004:018 And walking along the shore of the Lake of Galilee He saw two brothers--Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew-- throwing a drag-net into the Lake; for they were fishers. 004:019 And He said to them, "Come and follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." 004:020 So they immediately left their nets and followed Him. As He went further on, 004:021 He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zabdi and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zabdi mending their nets; and He called them. 004:022 And they at once left the boat and their father, and followed Him. 004:023 Then Jesus travelled through all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom, and curing every kind of disease and infirmity among the people. 004:024 Thus His fame spread through all Syria; and they brought all the sick to Him, the people who were suffering from various diseases and pains--demoniacs, epileptics, paralytics; and He cured them. 004:025 And great crowds followed Him, coming from Galilee, from the Ten Towns, from Jerusalem, and from beyond the district on the other side of the Jordan. 005:001 Seeing the multitude of people, Jesus went up the Hill. There He seated Himself, and when His disciples came to Him, 005:002 He proceeded to teach them, and said: 005:003 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for to them belongs the Kingdom of the Heavens. 005:004 "Blessed are the mourners, for they shall be comforted. 005:005 "Blessed are the meek, for they as heirs shall obtain possession of the earth. 005:006 "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be completely satisfied. 005:007 "Blessed are the compassionate, for they shall receive compassion. 005:008