Being, however, unable to get him near to Jesus, owing to the crowd, they removed the roofing below which Jesus was; and, when they had made an opening, they let down the mat on which the paralyzed man was lying.

Which is easier?--to say to the paralyzed man, 'Your sins are forgiven'? or to say 'Get up, and take up your mat, and walk about'?

The man got up, and immediately took up his mat, and went out before them all; at which they were amazed, and, as they praised God, they said: "We have never seen anything like this!"

How he went into the House of God, in the time of Abiathar the High Priest, and ate 'the consecrated bread,' which only the priests are allowed to eat, and gave some to his comrades as well?"

So he appointed the Twelve--Peter (which was the name that Jesus gave to Simon),

James, the son of Zebediah, and his brother John (to whom he gave the name of Boanerges, which means the Thunderers),

Upon which they began to beg Jesus to leave their neighborhood.

Taking her hand, Jesus said to her: "Taleitha, koum!"--which means 'little girl, I am speaking to you--Rise!'

When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the Synagogue; and the people, as they listened, were deeply impressed. "Where did he get this?" they said, "and what is this wisdom that has been given him? and these miracles which he is doing?

On which Jesus said: "A prophet is not without honor, except in his own country, and among his own relations, and in his own home."

They had noticed that some of his disciples ate their food with their hands 'defiled,' by which they meant unwashed.

When they come from market, they will not eat without first sprinkling themselves; and there are many other customs which they have inherited and hold to, such as the ceremonial washing of cups, and jugs, and copper pans).

You say 'If a man says to his father or mother "Whatever of mine might have been of service to you is Korban"' (which means 'Given to God')--

In this way you nullify the words of God by your traditions, which you hand down; and you do many similar things."

There is nothing external to a man, which by going into him can 'defile' him; but the things that come out from a man are the things that defile him."

"What, do even you understand so little?" exclaimed Jesus. "Do not you see that there is nothing external to a man, which by going into a man, can 'defile' him,

Then, looking up to Heaven, he sighed, and said to the man: "Ephphatha!" which means 'Be opened.'

On which Jesus charged them not to say this about him to anyone.

But they were silent; for on the way they had been arguing with one another which was the greatest.

"Go to the village facing you," he said; "and, as soon as you get there, you will find a foal tethered, which no one has ever ridden; untie it, and bring it.

Many of the people spread their cloaks on the road, while some strewed boughs which they had cut from the fields;

Then Peter recollected what had occurred. "Look, Rabbi," he exclaimed, "the fig-tree which you doomed is withered up!"

Have you never read this passage of Scripture?--'The very stone which the builders despised has now itself become the corner- stone;

But one poor widow came and put in two farthings, which make a half-penny.

"Do you see these great buildings?" asked Jesus. "Not a single stone will be left here upon another, which shall not be thrown down."

For those days will be a time of distress, the like of which has not occurred from the beginning of God's creation until now-- and never will again.

"This is my Covenant-blood," he said, "which is poured out on behalf of many.

Then the High Priest stood forward, and questioned Jesus. "Have you no answer to make?" he asked. "What is this evidence which these men are giving against you?"

Upon which Pilate questioned Jesus again. "Have you no reply to make?" he asked. "Listen, how many charges they are bringing against you."

But Jesus still made no reply whatever; at which Pilate was astonished.

They brought Jesus to the place which was known as Golgotha- -a name which means 'Place of a Skull.'

And, at three, Jesus called out loudly: ??Eloi, Eloi, lama sabacthani?'" which means 'My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?'

The Roman Officer, who was standing facing Jesus, on seeing the way in which he expired, exclaimed: "This man must indeed have been 'God's Son'!"

Joseph, having bought a linen sheet, took Jesus down, and wound the sheet round him, and laid him in a tomb which had been cut out of the rock; and then rolled a stone up against the entrance of the tomb.

But they set out, and made the proclamation everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the Message by the signs which attended it.