King Herod [Antipas] heard about this, for Jesus’ name and reputation had become well known. People were saying, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead, and that is why these miraculous powers are at work in Him.”

He replied, “Rightly did Isaiah prophesy about you hypocrites (play-actors, pretenders), as it is written [in Scripture],

‘These people honor Me with their lips,
But their heart is far from Me.

All these evil things [schemes and desires] come from within and defile and dishonor the man.”

His disciples replied to Him, “Where will anyone be able to find enough bread here in this isolated place to feed these people?”

They also had a few small fish; and when Jesus had blessed them [and given thanks], He ordered these [fish] to be set before them as well.

“But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe and trust in Me to stumble [that is, to sin or lose faith], it would be better for him if a heavy millstone [one requiring a donkey’s strength to turn it] were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea.

And he replied to Him, “Teacher, I have [carefully] kept all these [commandments] since my youth.”

and began saying to Him, “By what authority are You doing these things, or who gave You this authority to do these things?”

Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one question, and you answer Me, and then I will tell you by what authority I do these things.

So they replied to Jesus, “We do not know.” And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”

This is the second: ‘You shall [unselfishly] love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

As He was coming out of the temple [grounds], one of His disciples said to Him, “Teacher, look what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!”

Jesus replied to him, “You see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left on another which will not be torn down!”

“Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be fulfilled?”

When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed (frightened, troubled); these things must take place, but the end is not yet.

Even so, you too, when you see these things happening, know [for certain] that He is near, right at the door.

I assure you and most solemnly say to you, this generation [the people living when these signs and events begin] will not pass away until all these things take place.

The high priest stood up and came forward and asked Jesus, “Have You no answer to give [in response] to what these men are testifying against You?”

These signs will accompany those who have believed: in My name they will cast out demons, they will speak in new tongues;