Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah happened in this way. When his mother Mary was engaged to Joseph, before they lived together she was discovered to be pregnant by the Holy Spirit.

Rejoice and be extremely glad, because your reward in heaven is great! That's how they persecuted the prophets who came before you."

In the same way, let your light shine before people in such a way that they will see your good actions and glorify your Father in heaven."

leave your gift there before the altar and first go and be reconciled to your brother. Then come and offer your gift.

So whenever you give to the poor, don't blow a trumpet before you like the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets so that they will be praised by people. I tell all of you with certainty, they have their full reward!

Don't be like them, because your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

"Never give what is holy to dogs or throw your pearls before pigs. Otherwise, they will trample them with their feet and then turn around and attack you."

Suddenly, a leper came up to him, fell down before him, and said, "Sir, if you want to, you can make me clean."

Suddenly, they screamed, "What do you want with us, Son of God? Did you come here to torture us before the proper time?"

While Jesus was telling them these things, an official came up and fell down before him. "My daughter has just died," he said. "But come and lay your hand on her, and she will live."

You will be brought before governors and kings because of me, to testify to them and to unbelievers.

So when they persecute you in one town, flee to the next, because I tell all of you with certainty that you will not have gone through the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.

"Therefore, everyone who acknowledges me before people I, too, will acknowledge before my Father in heaven.

But whoever denies me before people I, too, will deny before my Father in heaven."

This is the man about whom it is written, "See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.'

But when Herod's birthday celebration was held, the daughter of Herodias danced before the guests. She pleased Herod

Shortly before dawn, Jesus came to them, walking on the sea.

Then she came and fell down before him, saying, "Lord, help me!"

I tell all of you with certainty, some people standing here will not experience death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom."

Then the servant fell down and bowed low before him, saying, "Be patient with me, and I will repay you everything!'

In those days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage right up to the day when Noah went into the ark.

Jesus told him, "I tell you with certainty, before a rooster crows this very night, you will deny me three times."

Peter remembered the words of Jesus when he said, "Before a rooster crows, you'll deny me three times." Then he went outside and cried bitterly.

The following day (that is, after the Day of Preparation), the high priests and Pharisees gathered before Pilate