"See you say nothing to any one; but go your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your purification what Moses commanded for a testimony to them."

but because they have no root in themselves they last for a time; but when suffering or persecution ensues because of the Word, they at once fall away.

With many such illustrations Jesus used to tell his message to people as far as they were able to receive it;

The man looked up and said, "I can make out the people, for as they move about, I see them like trees."

Presently some Pharisees came up and tested him, by asking if it was lawful for a man to divorce his wife.

"My sons, how hard it is for those who trust in money to enter the kingdom of God. It is easier for a camel to get through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven."

and they were glad when they heard it, and promised to pay him money. So he kept looking for an opportunity to betray him.