And just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens splitting apart and the Spirit descending on him like a dove.

The people there were amazed by his teaching, because he taught them like one who had authority, not like the experts in the law.

And immediately the man stood up, took his stretcher, and went out in front of them all. They were all amazed and glorified God, saying, "We have never seen anything like this!"

He also said, "The kingdom of God is like someone who spreads seed on the ground.

It is like a mustard seed that when sown in the ground, even though it is the smallest of all the seeds in the ground --

So with many parables like these, he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear.

Others said, "He is Elijah." Others said, "He is a prophet, like one of the prophets from the past."

because Herod stood in awe of John and protected him, since he knew that John was a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard him, he was thoroughly baffled, and yet he liked to listen to John.

As Jesus came ashore he saw the large crowd and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he taught them many things.

Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like this."

Regaining his sight he said, "I see people, but they look like trees walking."

It shrieked, threw him into terrible convulsions, and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, "He is dead!"

I tell you the truth, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will never enter it."

For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven.

In his teaching Jesus also said, "Watch out for the experts in the law. They like walking around in long robes and elaborate greetings in the marketplaces,

It is like a man going on a journey. He left his house and put his slaves in charge, assigning to each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to stay alert.

Jesus said to them, "Have you come with swords and clubs to arrest me like you would an outlaw?