but whoever slanders the Holy Spirit remains unforgiven to the end; he has to answer for an enduring sin."

But, as they have no root, they stand only for a short time; and so, when trouble or persecution arises on account of the Message, they fall away at once.

With many such parables Jesus used to speak to the people of his Message, as far as they were able to receive it;

"Come by yourselves privately to some lonely spot," he said, "and rest for a while"--for there were so many people coming and going that they had not time even to eat.

So they set off privately in their boat for a lonely spot.

For a woman, whose little daughter had a foul spirit in her, heard of him immediately, and came and threw herself at his feet--

Sighing deeply, Jesus said: "Why does this generation ask for a sign? I tell you, no sign shall be given it."

The man looked up, and said: "I see the people, for, as they walk about, they look to me like trees."

It is easier for a camel to get through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God."

When they had almost reached Jerusalem, as far as Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent on two of his disciples.

It was now two days before the Festival of the Passover and the Unleavened bread. The Chief Priests and the Teachers of the Law were looking for an opportunity to arrest Jesus by stealth, and to put him to death;

They were glad to hear what he said, and promised to pay him. So he looked for a way to betray Jesus opportunely.