Bible Harmony

CHAPTER 11

Jesus and John the Baptist

Parallel: Lk. 7:18-35

Matt. 11:1 And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding 1His twelve disciples, He departed from there to teach and preach in their cities.

1Matthew 10:1-4 And when He had called to Him His twelve disciples, He gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him.

Matt. 11:2 Now when John had heard in prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples,

Matt. 11:3 and said to Him, “Are You He who should come, or do we look for another?”

Matt. 11:4 Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and show John again those things which you 1hear and see:

1Luke 7:1-17 Now when He had ended all His sayings in the hearing of the people, He entered into Capernaum. And a certain Centurion's servant, who was dear to him, was sick, and ready to die. And when he heard of Jesus, he sent to Him the elders of the Jews, beseeching Him that He would come and heal his servant. And when they came to Jesus, they besought Him saying that the one for whom He should do this is worthy, “for he loves our nation, and he has built us a synagogue.” Then Jesus went with them. And when He was now not far from the house, the Centurion sent friends to Him, saying to Him, “Lord, trouble not Yourself, for I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof. Therefore neither did I myself think myself worthy to come to You. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it. When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned around and said to the people who followed Him, “I say to you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. And those who were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick. And it came to pass the day after, that He went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with Him, and much people. Now when He came near the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And much people of the city were with her. And when the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her, and said to her, “Weep not.” And He came and touched the coffin, and those who carried him stood still. And He said, “Young man, I say to you, Arise!” And he who was dead sat up, and began to speak. And He delivered him to his mother. And there came a fear on all, and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has risen up among us!” and, “God has visited His people!” And this rumor of Him went forth throughout all Judea, and throughout all the surrounding region.

Matt. 11:5 The 1blind receive their sight, and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.

1Luke 7:21 And in that hour He cured many of their infirmities and afflictions, and of evil spirits; and to many who were blind He gave sight.

Matt. 11:6 And blessed is he, whoever will not be offended in Me.”

Matt. 11:7 And as they departed, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning 1John, “What went you out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?

1Matthew 3:1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judea,

Matt. 11:8 But what went you out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses.

Matt. 11:9 But what went you out for to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and 1more than a 2prophet.

1Luke 7:28 For I say to you, among those who are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist, but he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.

2Matthew 3:3 For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Elijah, saying, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Prepare you the way of the Lord, make His paths straight.’”

Matt. 11:10 For this is he, of whom it is written, 1‘Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, who will prepare Your way before You.’

1Malachi 3:1 “ Behold, I will send My messenger, and he will prepare the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, shall suddenly come to His temple, even the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight. Behold, He shall come,” says the LORD of hosts.

Matt. 11:11 Verily I say to you, among those who are born of women there has not risen a greater than John the Baptist, but he who is least in the 1kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

1Ephesians 1:22,23 And has put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be the head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

1Colossians 1:18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.

Matt. 11:12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the 1kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.

1Matthew 3:2 And saying, “Repent you: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

1John 6:15 Therefore when Jesus perceived that they would come and take Him by force to make Him a king, He departed again to a mountain by Himself.

1John 18:36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.”

1John 6:15 Therefore when Jesus perceived that they would come and take Him by force to make Him a king; He departed again to a mountain by Himself.

Matt. 11:13 For all the 1prophets and the law prophesied until John.

1Luke 16:16 The law and the prophets were until John. Since that time the kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is pressing into it.

Matt. 11:14 And if you will receive it, this is 1Elijah, who was to come.

1Matthew 17:10-13 And His disciples asked Him, saying, “Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must first come?” And Jesus answered and said unto them, “Elijah is truly coming, and will restore all things. But I say to you, That Elijah has come already, and they knew him not, but have done to him whatever they wished. Likewise the Son of Man will also suffer of them.” Then the disciples understood that He spoke to them of John the Baptist.

1Mark 9:11-13 And they asked Him, saying, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must first come?” And He answered and told them, “Elijah does come first, and restores all things. And how it is written of the Son of Man, that He must suffer many things, and be treated with contempt? But I say to you, that Elijah has indeed come, and they have done to him whatever they wished, as it is written of him.”

1Malachi 4:5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:

Matt. 11:15 He who has ears to hear, let him hear.

Matt. 11:16 But to what shall I liken this generation? It is like children sitting in the markets, and calling to their fellows,

Matt. 11:17 and saying, 1“We have piped to you, and you have not danced; we have mourned to you, and you have not lamented.”

1Luke 7:32 They are like children sitting in the marketplace, and calling one to another, and saying, “We have piped to you, and you have not danced; we have mourned to you, and you have not wept.”

Matt. 11:18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, “He has a devil.”

Matt. 11:19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, “Behold a gluttonous man, and a 1winebibber, a friend of publicans and 2sinners.” But wisdom is justified by her children.”

1John 2:1-11 And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there. And both Jesus and His disciples were called, to the marriage. And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus said to Him, “They have no wine.” Jesus said to her, “Woman, what have I to do with you? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.” And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of purification of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. Jesus said to them, “Fill the waterpots with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. And He said to them, “Now draw some out, and take to the governor of the feast.” And they took it. When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it came from, (but the servants which drew the water knew), the governor of the feast called the bridegroom. And he said to him, “Every man at the beginning sets forth the choice wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is inferior, but you have kept the choice wine until now.” This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth His glory, and His disciples believed in Him.

2Matthew 9:10 And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples.

Woe On the Unrepentant

Parallel: Luke 10:13-16

Matt. 11:20 Then began He to upbraid the 1cities wherein most of His mighty works were done, because they repented not:

1Matthew 9:35 And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.

Matt. 11:21 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, 1Bethsaida! For if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have 2repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.

1John 1:44 Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.

2Jonah 3:5 So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them.

Matt. 11:22 But I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of 1judgment, than for you.

12 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he has done, whether it be good or bad.

1Acts 17:30-31 And these times of ignorance God overlooked but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world in righteousness by that Man whom He has ordained He has given assurance to all men, in that He has raised Him from the dead.

Matt. 11:23 And you, 1Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to 2Hades: for if the mighty works, which have been done in you had been done in 3Sodom, it would have remained until this day.

1Matthew 4:13 And leaving Nazareth, He came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zebulun and Naphtali,

1Mark 2:1 And again He entered into Capernaum after some days, and it was heard that He was in the house.

2Luke 16:25 But Abraham said, “Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things; and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted, and you are tormented.

3Gen. 19:12-25 And the men said to Lot, “Have you anyone else here? Son-in-law, your sons, your daughters, and whatever you have in the city—bring them out of this place. For we will destroy this place, because the cry of them has grown great before the face of the LORD, and the LORD has sent us to destroy it.“ And Lot went out, and spoke to his sons-in-law, who married his daughters, and said, “Get up, get you out of this place; for the LORD will destroy this city!” But he seemed as one who mocked to his sons-in-law. And when the morning arose, the angels hastened Lot, saying, “Arise, take your wife and your two daughters who are here, lest you be consumed in the iniquity of the city.“ And while he lingered, the men laid hold on his hand, and on the hand of his wife, and on the hands of his two daughters, the LORD being merciful to him, and they brought him forth and set him outside the city. And it came to pass, when they had brought them outside, that he said, “Escape for your life! Look not behind you, neither stay anywhere in all the plain. Escape to the mountain, lest you be consumed.” And Lot said to them, “Oh, not so, my Lords! Behold now, your servant has found grace in your sight, and you have magnified your mercy, which you have shown to me in saving my life; but I cannot escape to the mountain, lest some evil overtake me and I die. Behold now, this city is near to flee to, and it is a little one; Oh let me escape there, (is it not a little one?) and my soul shall live.“ And he said to him, “See, I have accepted you concerning this thing also, in that I will not overthrow this city for which you have spoken.“ Hurry you, escape there. For I cannot do anything until you come there.“ Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar.

Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah

3Genesis 19:23-25 The sun had risen on the earth when Lot entered into Zoar. Then the LORD rained on Sodom and Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of the heavens. And He overthrew those cities, all the plain, all the inhabitants of the cities, and that, which grew on the ground.

Matt. 11:24 But I say to you, that it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of 1judgment, than for you.”

12 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in his body, according to what he has done, whether it be good or bad.

1Acts 17:30-31 And the times of this ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance to all men, in that He has raised Him from the dead.

Rejoice in spirit—Come To Me For Rest

Parallel: Lk. 10:21,22

Matt. 11:25 At that time 1Jesus answered and said, 2“I thank You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have 3hidden these things from the wise and prudent, and have revealed them to babes.

1Luke 23:34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they parted His raiment, and cast lots.

2John 11:41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was lying. And Jesus lifted up His eyes, and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me.”

2John 12:28  “Father, glorify Your name.” Then there came a voice from heaven, saying, “I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.”

2John 17:1 Jesus spoke these words, and lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You.”

3Matthew 13:14,15 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah, which said, “By hearing you will hear, and will not understand, and seeing you will see, and will not perceive, for this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.”

3Mark 4:11,12 And He said to them, “Unto you it has been given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God; but to those who are outside, all these things are done in parables, so that ‘Seeing they may see, and not perceive, and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.’ “

Matt. 11:26 Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight.

Matt. 11:27 1All things are delivered to Me of 2My Father, and no man knows the Son, but the Father; neither knows any man the Father, except the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal Him.

1Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All power is given to Me in heaven and on earth.”

1John 3:35 The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into His hand.

1John 13:3 Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God, and was going to God;

2John 5:30 I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is just; because I seek not My own will, but the will of the Father who sent Me.

2John 6:46 Not that any man has seen the Father, except He who is of God, He has seen the Father.

2John 10:15 As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father, and I lay down My life for the sheep.

Matt. 11:28 1Come to 2Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

1Revelation 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” And let him who hears say, “Come.” And let him who is thirsty come. And whoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

2John 4:10 Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked of Him, and He would have given you living water.”

2John 6:35-37 And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes on Me shall never thirst. But I also said to you, that you have seen Me, but do not believe. All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the ones who come to Me I will in no wise drive away.”

Matt. 11:29 Take My yoke upon you, and 1learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart and you will find rest to your souls.

1John 14:15 If you love Me, keep My commandments.

1Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus,

11 John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not grievous.

Matt. 11:30 For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.”

Bible Harmony

CHAPTER 12

Lord of the Sabbath

Parallel: Mark 2:23-28; Luke 6:1-5

Matt. 12:1 At that time Jesus went on the Sabbath day through the 1corn, and His disciples were hungry, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat.

1Deuteronomy 23:25 When you come to the standing corn of your neighbor, then you may pluck the ears with your hand, but you shall not move a sickle into your neighbor's standing corn.

1Luke 6:1 And it came to pass on the second Sabbath after the first, that He went through the corn fields, and His disciples plucked the ears of corn, and did eat, rubbing them in their hands.

Matt. 12:2 But when the Pharisees saw it, they said to Him, “Behold, Your disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the 1Sabbath day.”

1Exodus 20:10 But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD your God. In it you shall not do any work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates.

1Exodus 35:2,3 Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day shall be to you a holy day, a Sabbath of rest to the LORD. Whoever does work on it shall be put to death. You shall kindle no fire throughout your habitations on the Sabbath day.

1Numbers 15:32-36 And while the children of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man who gathered sticks on the Sabbath day. And those who found him gathering sticks brought him to Moses and Aaron, and to all the congregation. And they put him under guard, because it was not declared what should be done to him. And the LORD said to Moses, “The man shall be surely put to death; all the congregation shall stone him with stones outside the camp.” And all the congregation brought him outside the camp and stoned him with stones, and he died; as the LORD commanded Moses.

Matt. 12:3 But He said to them, “Have you not read what 1David did, when he was hungry, and those who were with him:

11 Samuel 21:1-6 Then David came to Nob to Ahimelech the priest. And Ahimelech was afraid at the meeting of David, and said to him, “Why are you alone, and no man with you?” And David said to Ahimelech the priest, “The king has commanded me a business, and has said to me, ‘Let no man know anything about the business on which I send you, and what I have commanded you.’ And I have appointed my servants to such and such a place. Now therefore, what is under your hand? Give me five loaves of bread in my hand, or whatever is present.” And the priest answered David and said, “There is no common bread under my hand, but there is hallowed bread, if the young men have at least kept themselves from women.” And David answered the priest, and said to him, “Of a truth, women have been kept from us about these three days since I came out. And the vessels of the young men are holy, and the bread is in a manner common, even though it was sanctified this day in the vessel. So the priest gave him hallowed bread; for there was no bread there except the showbread that had been taken from before the LORD, to put hot bread in the day when it was taken away.

Matt. 12:4 How he entered into the 1house of God, and ate the showbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for those who were with him, but only for the priests?

1Mark 2:26 How he went into the house of God in the days of Abiathar the high priest, and ate the showbread, which is not lawful to eat except for the priests, and gave also to those who were with him?

Matt. 12:5 Or have you not read in the law, how that on the Sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the 1Sabbath, and are blameless?

1John 7:22,23 Moses therefore gave to you circumcision (not because it is from Moses, but from the fathers), and you circumcise a man on the Sabbath day. If on the Sabbath day a man receives circumcision, that the Law of Moses may not be broken, are you angry with Me, because I have made a man completely whole on the Sabbath day?

1Mark 2:27 And He said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.”

Matt. 12:6 But I say to you, that in this place is one greater than the 1temple.

1Malachi 3:1 Behold, I will send My messenger, and he will prepare the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple, even the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight. Behold, He is coming, says the LORD of hosts.

Matt. 12:7 But if you had known what this means, 1‘I will have mercy, and not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the guiltless.

1Hosea 6:6 For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.

Matt. 12:8 For the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath day.”

Sabbath Healing

Parallel: Mark 3:1-6; Luke 6:6-11; John 5:18

Matt. 12:9 And when He had departed from there, He went into their synagogue,

Matt. 12:10 And, behold, there was a man who had his hand withered. And they asked Him, saying, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath days?” That they might accuse Him.

Matt. 12:11 And He said to them, “What man will there be among you, who has one sheep, and if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath day, will not 1lay hold on it, and lift it out?

1Deuteronomy 22:4 You shall not see your brother's donkey or his ox fall down by the way, and hide yourself from them; you shall surely help him lift them up again.

Matt. 12:12 How much then is a man better than a sheep? Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath days.”

Matt. 12:13 Then said He to the man, 1“Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched it out, and it was restored whole, as the other.

1Mark 3:5 And when He looked around on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, He said to the man, “Stretch forth your hand.” And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored whole as the other.

Matt. 12:14 Then the 1Pharisees went out, and held a council against Him, how they might destroy Him.

1Luke 6:11 And they were filled with madness, and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus.

1Mark 3:6 And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against Him, how they might destroy Him.

Matt. 12:15 But when Jesus knew it, He withdrew Himself from there; and great 1multitudes followed Him, and He healed them all.

1Mark 3:7 But Jesus withdrew Himself with his disciples to the sea and a great multitude from Galilee followed Him, and from Judea,

Matt. 12:16 And charged them that they should not make Him known,

The Chosen Servant

Parallel: None

Matt. 12:17 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying,

Matt. 12:18 1“Behold My 2Servant, whom I have chosen; My 3beloved, in whom My soul is well pleased: I will put 4My Spirit upon Him, and He will 5show judgment to the Gentiles.

1Isaiah 42:1-4 Behold, My Servant, whom I uphold, My Elect in whom My soul delights! I have put My spirit upon Him; He shall bring forth justice to the Gentiles. He shall not cry out, nor lift up His voice, nor cause His voice to be heard in the street. A bruised reed He shall not break, and the smoking flax He shall not quench; He shall bring forth justice for truth. He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till He has set forth justice in the earth; and the coast lands shall wait for His law.

2Philippians 2:7 But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.

3John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

4John 17:5 And now, O Father, glorify Me with Your own self with the glory which I had with You before the world was.

5Mark 3:7,8 But Jesus withdrew Himself with His disciples to the sea and a great multitude from Galilee followed Him, and from Judea, and from Jerusalem, and from Idumea, and from beyond Jordan; and those from Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, when they had heard what great things He did, came to Him.

Matt. 12:19 He will not strive, nor cry; neither will any man hear His voice in the streets.

Matt. 12:20 A bruised reed will He not break, and smoking flax will He not quench, till He sends forth judgment to victory.

Matt. 12:21 And in His name will the 1Gentiles trust.”

1Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

A Divided House Will Fall

Parallel: Mark 3:20-27; Luke 11:14-23

Matt. 12:22 Then was brought to Him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb, and He healed him, so that the blind and dumb both spoke and saw.

Matt. 12:23 And all the people were amazed, and said, “Is not this the son of David?”

Matt. 12:24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, “This fellow does not cast out devils, but by 1Beelzebub the prince of the devils.”

1Mark 3:22 And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem said, “He has Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils He casts out devils.”

Matt. 12:25 And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand.

Matt. 12:26 And if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his 1kingdom stand?

1Colossians 1:13 Who has delivered us from the power of darkness, and has translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son,

Matt. 12:27 And if I, by Beelzebub, 1cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges.

1Acts 19:13-16 Then some of the wondering Jewish exorcists, took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preaches.” And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know, but who are you?” And the man in whom was the evil spirit jumped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

Matt. 12:28 But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come to you.

Matt. 12:29 Or else how can one enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? And then he will spoil.

Matt. 12:30 He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who gathers not with Me scatters abroad.

Unpardonable Sin

Parallel: Mark 3:28-30; Luke 12:10

Matt. 12:31 Therefore I say to you, all manner of sin and blasphemy will be 1forgiven men, but the 2blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven men.

1Acts 2:38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

1Mark 16:16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.”

11 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

2Hebrews 6:4-6 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and have been partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the world to come, if they shall fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put Him to an open shame.

2Acts 7:51 You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you.

Matt. 12:32 And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be 1forgiven him, but whoever 2speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, neither in this world, or in the world to come.

1Luke 23:34 Then said Jesus, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they parted His clothing, and cast lots.

2Mark 3:30 Because they said, “He has an unclean spirit.”

Matt. 12:33 Either make the tree good, and its fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and its fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by its fruit.

Good or Bad Fruit

Parallel: Luke 6:43-45

Matt. 12:34 O generation of 1vipers, how can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the 2heart the mouth speaks.

1Acts 28:3-6 But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand. And when the barbarians saw the venomous creature hanging on his hand, they said among themselves, “No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not allow to live.” But he shook off the creature into the fire, and felt no harm. However they were expecting that he would swell up, or suddenly fall down dead; but after they had waited a long time and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.

2Proverbs 23:7 For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. “Eat and drink,” he says to you, but his heart is not with you.

Matt. 12:35 A good man out of the good treasure of the 1heart brings forth 2good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.

1Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think on these things.

2Matthew 7:16-20 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree brings forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree brings forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that brings not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you shall know them.

Matt. 12:36 But I say to you, that for every 1idle word that men may speak, they will give account of it in the Day of 2Judgment.

1Ephesians 5:4,5 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not becoming, but rather giving of thanks. For this you know, that no fornicator or unclean person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.

2Jude 1:15 To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all who are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have committed in an ungodly way, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him.

Matt. 12:37 For by your 1words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

1James 3:2 For we all offend in many things. If anyone does not offend in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.

1James 3:10 Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.

Seeking a Sign

Parallel: Luke 11:29-32

Matt. 12:38 Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, “Master, we would see a 1sign from You.”

1Luke 11:16 And others, testing Him, sought from Him a sign from heaven.

Matt. 12:39 But He answered and said to them, “An 1evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonah:

1Luke 11:29,30 And when the people were thickly gathered together, He began to say, “This is an evil generation. They seek a sign, and there will be no sign given it, except the sign of Jonah the prophet. For as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so also the Son of man will be to this generation.

1Jeremiah 3:14  “Turn, O backsliding children,” says the LORD; for I am married to you. I will take you, one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion.

Matt. 12:40 For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the 1belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be 2three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.

1Jonah 1:17 Now the LORD had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.

2John 2:19 Jesus answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”

Matt. 12:41 The men of 1Nineveh will rise in judgment with this generation, and will 2condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and, behold, a greater than Jonah is here.

1Jonah 3:5-10 So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them. For word came to the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and laid aside his robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. And he caused it to be proclaimed and published throughout Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, “Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste anything; let them not feed, nor drink water: But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily to God; yes, let every one turn from his evil way and from the violence that is in their hands. Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from His fierce anger, so that we may not perish?” And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God relented from the disaster that He had said that He would bring to them, and He did not do it.

2John 8:24 I said therefore to you, that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.

Matt. 12:42 The 1queen of the south will rise up in the judgment with this generation, and will condemn it, for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the 2wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a 3greater than Solomon.

11 Kings 10:1 And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to prove him with hard questions.

21 Kings 10:7 However, I did not believe the words, until I came, and my eyes had seen it; and, behold, the half was not told me. Your wisdom and prosperity exceed the fame of which I heard.

3John 7:46 The officers answered, “No man ever spoke like this Man!”

3Luke 4:22 And all bore witness to Him, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth. And they said, “Is not this Joseph's son?”

Return of an Unclean Spirit

Parallel: Luke 11:24-26

Matt. 12:43 When the 1unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walks through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none.

1Revelation 18:2 And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, “Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become the habitation of devils and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hateful bird.”

Matt. 12:44 Then he says, ‘I will return to my house from where I came,’ and when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and garnished.

Matt. 12:45 Then he goes, and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it also be with this wicked generation.”

Mother/Brothers Send for Jesus

Parallel: Mark 3:31-35; Luke 8:19-21

Matt. 12:46 While He yet talked to the people, behold, His 1mother and His brothers stood without, desiring to speak with Him.

1Mark 3:31,32 There came then His brothers and His mother, and, standing outside, sent to Him, calling Him. And the multitude sat about Him, and they said to Him, “Behold, Your mother and your brothers are outside seeking You.”

Matt. 12:47 Then one said to Him, “Behold, Your mother and brothers stand without, desiring to speak with You.”

Matt. 12:48 But He answered and said to him who told Him, “Who is My mother? And who are my brothers?”

Matt. 12:49 And He 1stretched forth His hand toward His disciples, and said, “Behold My mother and My brothers!

1Mark 3:34,35 And He looked around on those who sat about Him, and said, “Behold my mother and My brothers! For whoever will do the will of God, is My brother, and My sister, and mother.”

Matt. 12:50 For whoever will do the 1will of My Father who is in heaven, the same is 2My brother, and sister, and mother.

1Matthew 7:21 Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven.

2John 2:12 After this He went down to Capernaum, He, and His mother, and His brothers, and His disciples; and they did not continue there many days.

Bible Harmony

CHAPTER 13

Parable of the Sower

Parallel: Mark 4:1-9; Luke 8:4-8

Matt. 13:1 The same day Jesus went out of the house, and sat by the seaside.

Matt. 13:2 And great multitudes were gathered together to Him, so that He went into a boat, and 1sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore.

1Matthew 5:1 And seeing the multitudes, He went up into a mountain, and when He was seated, His disciples came to Him,

Matt. 13:3 And He spoke many things to them in 1parables, saying, “Behold, a sower went forth to sow.

1Mark 4:2,3 And He taught them many things by parables, and said to them in His doctrine, “Hearken! Behold, there went out a sower to sow,”

Matt. 13:4 And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the 1wayside, and the birds came and devoured them.

1Mark 4:4 And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the wayside, and the birds of the air came and devoured it.

Matt. 13:5 Some fell on 1stony places, where they had not much earth: and immediately sprang up because they had no deepness of earth.

1Mark 4:5 And some fell on stony ground, where it did not have much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth.

Matt. 13:6 And when the sun was up, they were scorched, and because they had no root, they withered away.

Matt. 13:7 And some fell among 1thorns, and the thorns sprang up, and choked them.

1Mark 4:7 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.

Matt. 13:8 But others fell on 1good ground, and brought forth fruit, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

1Mark 4:8 And other fell on good ground, and yielded fruit that sprang up and increased, and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some a hundred.

Matt. 13:9 Who has ears to hear, let him hear.

The Purpose of Parables

Parallel: Mark 4:10-12; Luke 8:9,10

Matt. 13:10 And the 1disciples came, and said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?”

1Mark 4:10 And when He was alone, those who were about Him with the twelve asked Him about the parable.

Matt. 13:11 He answered and said to them, “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the 1kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.

1Matthew 16:18 And I say also to you, that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.

1Acts 20:28 Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which He has purchased with His own blood.

1Mark 4:11 And He said to them, “Unto you it has been given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God; but to those who are outside, all these things are done in parables,

Matt. 13:12 For whoever has, to him will be given, and he will have more abundance, but whoever has not, from him will be taken away even what he has.

Matt. 13:13 Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they see not, and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.

Matt. 13:14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah, which said, ‘By hearing you will hear, and will not understand, and seeing you will see, and will not perceive.

Matt. 13:15 For this people’s 1heart have grown dull, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their hearts, and should be converted, and I should heal them.’

1Isaiah 6:9,10 And He said, “Go, and tell this people: ‘You hear indeed, but do not understand,’ and you see indeed, but do not perceive. Make the heart of this people dull, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and return and be healed.”

Matt. 13:16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear.

Matt. 13:17 For verily I say to you, that many 1prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things that you see, and have not seen them, and to hear those things that you hear, and have not heard them.

1Hebrews 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

11 Peter 1:10-12 Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come to you, searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating, when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that would follow. To whom it was revealed, that not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things, which are now reported to you by those who have preached the gospel to you with the Holy Spirit sent down from heaven—which things the angels desire to look into.

Explains the Parable of the Sower

Parallel: Mark 4:13-20; Luke 8:11-15

Matt. 13:18 Hear you therefore the parable of the sower.

Matt. 13:19 When anyone 1hears the word of the kingdom, and understands it not, then comes the wicked one, and snatches away that which was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside.

1Luke 8:11,12 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those by the wayside are those who hear; then comes the devil, and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.

Matt. 13:20 But he who received the seed into 1stony places, the same is he who hears the word, and immediately receives it with joy;

1Luke 8:13 Those on the rock are those, who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.

Matt. 13:21 Yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arise because of the word, by and by he is offended.

Matt. 13:22 He also who received seed among the 1thorns is he who hears the word, and the 2cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.

1Luke 8:14 And that which fell among thorns are those, who, when they have heard, go forth and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.

2Matthew 19:23 Then said Jesus to His disciples, “Verily I say to you, that a rich man will hardly enter the kingdom of heaven.”

2Mark 4:19 And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.

Matt. 13:23 But he who received seed into the 1good ground is he who hears the word, and understands it, who also bears fruit, and brings forth, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

1Luke 8:15 But that on the good ground are those, who have heard the word in an honest and good heart, and keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.

1Mark 4:20 And these are they who are sown on good ground, those who hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred.

Parable of Wheat and Tares

Parallel: None

Matt. 13:24 Another parable put he forth to them, saying, “The 1kingdom of heaven is likened to a man who sowed good seed in his field,

1Matthew 16:18 And I say also to you, that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.

1Acts 20:28 Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which He has purchased with His own blood.

Matt. 13:25 but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.

Matt. 13:26 But when the blade had sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.

Matt. 13:27 So the servants of the householder came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? From where then has it tares?’

Matt. 13:28 He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The servants said to him, ‘Do you then want us to go and gather them up?’

Matt. 13:29 But he said, ‘No, lest while you gather up the tares, you root up also the wheat with them.

Matt. 13:30 Let both grow together until the harvest, and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, gather you together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn, but gather the wheat into my barn.’”

Parable of the Mustard Seed

Parallel: Mark 4:30-32; Luke 13:18,19

Matt. 13:31 Another parable put He forth to them, saying, “The 1kingdom of heaven is like a 2mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field,

1Mark 4:30 And he said, “To what shall we liken the kingdom of God? Or with what comparison shall we compare it?”

1Matthew 16:18 And I say also to you, that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.

1Acts 20:28 Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which He has purchased with His own blood.

2Mark 4:31 It is like a mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that are on earth,

2Luke 13:19 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and threw into his garden; and it grew, and became a tree, and the birds of the air lodged in the branches of it.

Matt. 13:32 which indeed is the least of all seeds, but when it is grown, it is the 1greatest among herbs, and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in its branches.

1Mark 4:32 But when it is sown, it grows up, and becomes greater than all herbs, and shoots out large branches, so that the birds of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.

Parable of Leaven

Parallel: Luke 13:20,21

Matt. 13:33 Another parable spoke He to them. The 1kingdom of heaven is liken to leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.

1Matthew 16:18 And I say also to you, that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.

1Acts 20:28 Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which He has purchased with His own blood.

Prophecy and the Parables

Parallel: Mark 4:33,34; John 16:25

Matt. 13:34 All these things spoke Jesus to the multitude in 1parables, and without a parable He spoke not to them,

1Mark 4:33 And with many such parables He spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it.

1John 16:25 These things I have spoken to you in proverbs; but the time is coming, when I will no more speak to you in proverbs, but I will tell you plainly of the Father.

Matt. 13:35 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, 1“I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.”

1Psalms 78:2 I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old:

Parable of Tares Explained

Parallel: None

Matt. 13:36 Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house, and His disciples came to Him, saying, “Declare to us the parable of the tares of the field.”

Matt. 13:37 He answered and said to them, “He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man.

Matt. 13:38 The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one.

Matt. 13:39 The enemy who sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the 1end of the world, and the reapers are the 2angels.

12 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in his body, according to what he has done, whether it be good or bad.

2Matthew 24:31 And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

22 Thessalonians 1:7 And to give rest to you who are troubled with us when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels,

Matt. 13:40 As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so will it be at the 1end of this world.

1Matthew 25:31,32 When the Son of Man will come in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then will He sit on the throne of His glory. And before Him will be gathered all nations, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats.

1Revelation 20:12-15 And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and the books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged from those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged everyone according to their works. And Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whoever was not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.

Matt. 13:41 The Son of Man will send forth His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who do iniquity,

Matt. 13:42 and will cast them into a 1furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth,

1Matthew 25:41 Then will He say also to those on His left hand, “Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.”

1Matthew 8:12 But the children of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness: there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Matt. 13:43 Then will the 1righteous shine forth as the 2sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who has ears to hear, let him hear.

1Revelation 2:10 Do not fear any of those things which you shall suffer. Behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that you may be tried, and you shall have tribulation ten days. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.

2Matthew 5:13-16 You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is no longer good for anything, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

Parable of the Hidden Treasure

Parallel: None

Matt. 13:44 Again, the 1kingdom of heaven is like 2treasure hidden in a field; when a man has found, he hides, and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has, and buys that field.

1Matthew 16:18 And I say also to you, That you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.

1Acts 20:28 Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which He has purchased with His own blood.

2Matthew 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he gains the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

Parable of the Pearl of Great Price

Parallel: None

Matt. 13:45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant, seeking goodly pearls,

Matt. 13:46 who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

Parable of the Drag Net

Parallel: None

Matt. 13:47 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind,

Matt. 13:48 which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but threw the bad away.

Matt. 13:49 So it will be at the end of the world: the angels will come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just,

Matt. 13:50 and will cast them into the 1furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.”

1Matthew 25:41 Then will He say also to those on His left hand, “Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.”

Matt. 13:51 Jesus said to them, “Have you 1understood all these things?” They said to Him, “Yes, Lord.”

1Acts 8:30 And Philip ran up to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?”

Matt. 13:52 Then said He to them, “Therefore every scribe who is 1instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like a man who is a householder, who brings out of his treasure things new and old.”

1Matthew 28:19,20 Go you therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things whatever I have commanded you, and, lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world. Amen.

Jesus Rejected by His Own

Parallel: Mark 6:1-6; Luke 4:16-30; John 6:41-59

Matt. 13:53 And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these parables, He departed from there.

Matt. 13:54 And when He had come to His 1own country, He taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished, and said, “Where has this Man this wisdom, and these mighty works?

1Mark 6:1-3 And He went out from there, and came to His own country, and His disciples follow Him. And when the Sabbath day had come, He began to teach in the synagogue, and many hearing Him were astonished, saying, “From where did this Man get these things? And what wisdom is this, which is given to Him, that even such mighty works are performed by His hands? Is not this the carpenter, the Son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?” And they were offended at Him.

Matt. 13:55 Is this not the carpenter’s Son? Is not His mother called Mary? And His brothers, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?

Matt. 13:56 And His sisters, are they not all with us? Where then has this man all these things?”

Matt. 13:57 And they were offended in Him. But Jesus said to them, “A 1prophet is not without honor, except in his own country, and in his own house.”

1Luke 4:25-27 But I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when a great famine was throughout all the land; but to none of them was Elijah sent, except to Sarepta, (Greek for Zarephath) a city of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet, and none of them was cleansed, except Naaman the Syrian.

Matt. 13:58 And He 1did not do many mighty works there because of their 2unbelief.

1Mark 6:5 And He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people, and healed them.

2Luke 4:29,30 And rose up, and drove Him out of the city, and led Him to the brow of the hill on which their city was built, that they might cast Him down the clift. But passing through the midst of them He went His way,

2John 6:41-59 The Jews then murmured at Him, because He said, “I am the bread which came down from heaven.” And they said, “Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How is it then that He said, ‘I came down from heaven’?” Jesus therefore answered and said to them, “Murmur not among yourselves. No man can come to Me, except the Father who has sent Me draw him; and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught of God.’ Therefore every man who has heard, and has learned of the Father, comes to Me. Not that any man has seen the Father, except He who is of God, He has seen the Father. Verily, verily, I say to you, he who believes on Me has everlasting life. I am that bread of life. Your fathers ate manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which comes down from heaven, that a man may eat of it, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If any man eats of this bread, he shall live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, “How can this Man give us his flesh to eat?” Then Jesus said to them, “Verily, verily, I say to you, except you eat the flesh of the Son of Man, and drink His blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats My flesh, and drinks My blood, has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For My flesh is meat indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. He who eats My flesh, and drinks My blood, dwells in Me, and I in him. As the living Father sent Me, and I live by the Father: so he who feeds on Me will live because of Me. This is the bread which came down from heaven. Not as your fathers ate the manna, and are dead. He who eats of this bread shall live forever.” These things He said in the synagogue, as He taught in Capernaum.

Bible Harmony

CHAPTER 14

John the Baptist Beheaded

Parallel: Mark 6:14-29; Luke 9:7-9

Matt. 14:1 At that time 1Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus,

1Matthew 2:19 But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,

1Luke 9:9 And Herod said, “I have beheaded John, but who is this, of whom I hear such things?” And he desired to see Him.

1Mark 6:14 And king Herod heard of Him, for His name was spread abroad. And he said, “John the Baptist is risen from the dead, and therefore these mighty works do show in him.”

Matt. 14:2 and said to his servants, 1“This is John the Baptist; he has risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works show forth themselves in him.”

1Mark 6:15 Others said, “It is Elijah.” And others said, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets.”

Matt. 14:3 For 1Herod had laid hold of John, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias’ sake, his brother Philip’s wife.

1Mark 6:17 For Herod himself had sent and laid hold on John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife; for he had married her.

Matt. 14:4 For John said to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.”

Matt. 14:5 And when he would have put him to death, he 1feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.

1Mark 6:20 For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and holy, and protected him. And when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.

Matt. 14:6 But when Herod’s 1birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod.

1Mark 6:21 And when a convenient day came, Herod on his birthday made a supper for his lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee;

Matt. 14:7 Therefore he 1promised with an oath to give her whatever she would ask.

1Mark 6:23 And he swore to her, “Whatever you ask of me, I will give to you, to half of my kingdom.”

Matt. 14:8 And she, being before instructed of her 1mother, said, “Give me John the Baptist’s head in a charger.”

1Mark 6:24 And she went forth, and said to her mother, “What shall I ask?” And she said, “The head of John the Baptist.”

1Mark 6:19 Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him; but she could not:

Matt. 14:9 And the king was 1sorry; nevertheless for the oath made, and those who sat with him at meat, he commanded it to be given to her.

1Mark 6:26 And the king was exceedingly sorry; yet because of his oaths, and because of those who sat with him, he would not reject her.

Matt. 14:10 And he sent, and 1beheaded John in the prison.

1Mark 6:27 And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought. And he went and beheaded him in the prison,

Matt. 14:11 And his head was brought in a charger, and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother.

Matt. 14:12 And his 1disciples came, and took up the body, and buried it, and went and told Jesus.

1Mark 6:29 And when his disciples heard of it, they came and took away his corpse, and laid it in a tomb.

Feeding of Five Thousand

Parallel: Mark 6:30-44; Luke 9:10-17;

John 6:1-14

Matt. 14:13 When Jesus heard of it, He departed from there by boat into a 1desert place apart, and when the people heard about it, they followed Him on foot from the cities.

1Mark 6:30-33 And the apostles gathered themselves together around Jesus, and told Him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught. And He said to them, “Come aside by yourselves into a desert place, and rest a while.” For there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure time so much as to eat. And they departed to a deserted place by boat privately. And the people saw them departing, and many knew Him, and ran there on foot from all the cities, and got there ahead of them, and came together to Him.

Matt. 14:14 And Jesus went forth, and saw a 1great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and He healed their sick.

1Luke 9:11 And the people, when they knew it, followed Him; and He received them, and spoke to them of the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing.

Matt. 14:15 And when it was evening, His disciples came to Him, saying, “This is a desert place, and the time is now past; 1send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves food.”

1Luke 9:12 And when the day began to wear away, then the twelve came to Him, and said, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and surrounding country, and find lodging, and get food for we are here in a desert place.”

1Mark 6:35,36 And when the day was now far spent, His disciples came to Him, and said, “This is a desert place, and now the time is very late. Send them away, that they may go into the surrounding country, and into the villages, and buy themselves bread; for they have nothing to eat.”

Matt. 14:16 But Jesus said to them, “They need not depart, you give them to eat.”

Matt. 14:17 And they say to Him, “We have here but 1five loaves, and two fish.”

1Mark 6:37 He answered and said to them, “You give them something to eat.” And they said to Him, “Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii of bread, and give them something to eat?”

1Luke 9:13 But He said to them, “You give them something to eat.” And they said, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish, unless we should go and buy meat for all these people.”

1John 6:9  “There is a lad here, who has five barley loaves, and two small fish, but what are they among so many?”

Matt. 14:18 He said, “Bring them here to Me.”

Matt. 14:19 And 1He commanded the 2multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed, and broke, and gave the loaves to His disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.

1Mark 6:39,40 And He commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass. And they sat down in ranks, of hundreds, and fifties.

2Luke 9:14 For they were about five thousand men. And He said to His disciples, “Make them sit down in groups of fifties.”

Matt. 14:20 And they all ate, and were filled, and they took up 1twelve baskets full of fragments.

1Luke 9:17 And they ate, and were all filled, and there was taken up twelve baskets of fragments that remained for them.

1Mark 6:43 And they picked up twelve baskets full of fragments, and of the fish.

Matt. 14:21 And those who had eaten were about 1five thousand men, besides women and children.

1John 6:1-14 After these things Jesus went over the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias. And a great multitude followed Him, because they saw His miracles, which He did on those who were diseased. And Jesus went up on a mountain, and there He sat with His disciples. And the Passover, a feast of the Jews, was near. When Jesus then lifted up His eyes, and saw a great company come to Him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” And this He said to prove him, for He Himself knew what He would do. Philip answered Him, “Two hundred denarii of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may have a little.” One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to Him, “There is a lad here, who has five barley loaves, and two small fish, but what are they among so many?” And Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. And Jesus took the loaves; and when He had given thanks, He distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to those sitting down; and likewise of the fish as much as they wanted. When they were filled, He said to His disciples, “Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.” Therefore they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which were left over by those who had eaten. Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, “This is of a truth the prophet who is to come into the world.”

Jesus Walks On the Water

Parallel: Mark 6:45-52; John 6:15-21

Matt. 14:22 And immediately 1Jesus constrained His disciples to get into a boat, and go before Him to the 2other side, while He sent the multitudes away.

1Mark 6:45 And immediately He constrained His disciples to get into the boat, and to go to the other side before to Bethsaida, while He sent the people away.

2John 6:17 And entered into a boat, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus had not come to them.

Matt. 14:23 And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up into a mountain apart to pray. And when evening had come, He was there alone.

Matt. 14:24 But the boat was now in the 1middle of the sea, tossed with waves, for the 2wind was contrary.

1John 6:18,19 And the sea arose because a great wind was blowing. So when they had rowed about twenty-five or thirty furlongs, they saw Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing near to the boat, and they were afraid.

2Mark 6:48 And He saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary to them. And about the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea, and would have passed them by.

Matt. 14:25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea.

Matt. 14:26 And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were 1troubled, saying, “It is a spirit,” and they cried out for fear.

1John 6:19 So when they had rowed about twenty-five or thirty furlongs, they saw Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing near to the boat, and they were afraid.

1Mark 6:49 But when they saw Him walking on the sea, they supposed it was a spirit, and cried out:

Matt. 14:27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; be not afraid.”

Matt. 14:28 And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, bid me come to You on the water.”

Matt. 14:29 And He said, “Come!” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.

Matt. 14:30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, “Lord, save me.”

Matt. 14:31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth His hand, and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

Matt. 14:32 And when they had come into the 1boat, the wind ceased.

1John 6:21 Then they willingly received Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land where they were going.

Matt. 14:33 Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, “Of a truth You are the Son of God.”

Touched Jesus - Made Well

Parallel: Mark 6:53-56

Matt. 14:34 And when they had gone over, they came to the land of 1Gennesaret.

1Mark 6:53 And when they had crossed over, they came into the land of Gennesaret, and drew to the shore.

1Luke 5:1 And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon Him to hear the word of God, He stood by the lake of Gennesaret,

Matt. 14:35 And when the men of that place had knowledge of Him, they sent out to all that country round about, and 1brought to Him all who were diseased,

1Mark 6:54-56 And when they were come out of the boat, immediately they knew Him, and ran through that whole surrounding region, and began to carry about on beds those who were sick, to wherever they heard He was. And wherever he entered, into villages, cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought Him that they might touch if it were even the border of His garment. And as many as touched Him were made whole.

Matt. 14:36 and besought Him that they might only touch the hem of His garment. And as many as 1touched it were made perfectly whole.

1Matthew 9:20-22 And, behold, a woman, who was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind Him, and touched the hem of His garment: For she said within herself, “If I may but touch His garment, I will be whole.” But Jesus turned Himself about, and when He saw her, he said, “Daughter, be of good comfort; your faith has made you whole.” And the woman was made whole from that hour.

Bible Harmony

CHAPTER 15

Source of Defilement

Parallel: Mark 7:1-23

Matt. 15:1 Then the 1scribes and Pharisees, who were from Jerusalem, came to Jesus saying,

1Mark 7:2 And when they saw some of His disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashed, hands, they found fault.

Matt. 15:2 “Why do Your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they 1wash not their hands when they eat bread.”

1Mark 7:3,4 For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, do not eat unless they wash their hands in a special way, holding the tradition of the elders. And when they come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they wash. And many other things there are, which they have received and hold, like the washing of cups, and pots, brazen vessels, and of tables.

Matt. 15:3 But He answered and said to them, “Why do you also transgress the 1commandment of God by your tradition?

1Mark 7:9 And He said to them, “Full well you reject the commandments of God, that you may keep your tradition.”

Matt. 15:4 For God commanded, saying, 1‘Honor your father and mother;’ and, ‘He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.’

1Exodus 20:12 Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the LORD your God gives you.

1Exodus 21:17 And he who curses his father, or his mother, shall surely be put to death.

Matt. 15:5 But you say, ‘Whoever will say to his father or his mother, “Whatever you may have received from me, it is a gift dedicated to the temple,”

Matt. 15:6 and honors not his father or his mother, with it.’ Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your 1tradition.

1Mark 7:11,12 But you say, “If a man will say to his father or mother, whatever gift you may have received from me, is Corban—that is, to say, a gift given to God; and you no more let him do anything for his father or his mother.”

Matt. 15:7 You hypocrites, well did 1Isaiah prophesy of you, saying,

1Isaiah 29:13 Therefore the Lord said: “Forasmuch as these people draw near with their mouth and with their lips do honor Me. But have removed their heart far from Me, and their fear toward Me is taught by the precept of men,”

Matt. 15:8 ‘This people draws near to Me with their mouth, and honors Me with their lips; but their heart is 1far from Me.

1Matthew 12:29,30 Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? And then he will spoil his house. He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who gathers not with Me scatters abroad.

Matt. 15:9 But in 1vain they worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

12 John 1:9 Whoever transgresses, and abides not in the doctrine of Christ, does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ, has both the Father and the Son.

Matt. 15:10 And He called the multitude, and said to them, “Hear, and understand:

Matt. 15:11 Not that which goes into the mouth defiles a man; but that which comes out of the mouth, this 1defiles a man.”

1Mark 7:15 There is nothing that enters a man from without that can defile him, but the things which come out of him, those are the things that defile a man.

1Romans 14:14 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who thinks anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean.

1Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteousness, and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

1Romans 14:20 Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All things are indeed pure, but they are evil for that man who eats with offence.

Matt. 15:12 Then came His disciples, and said to Him, “Do you know that the 1Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying?”

1Mark 7:17,18 And when He had entered the house from the people, His disciples asked Him concerning the parable. And He said to them, “Are you also without understanding? Do you not perceive, that whatever enters a man from without, cannot defile him,”

Matt. 15:13 But He answered and said, “Every plant, which My heavenly Father has not planted, will be rooted up.

Matt. 15:14 Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into the ditch.

Matt. 15:15 Then answered Peter and said to Him, “Declare to us this parable.”

Matt. 15:16 And Jesus said, “Are you also still without understanding?

Matt. 15:17 Do you not yet understand, that whatever enters in at the mouth goes into the stomach, and is eliminated from the body?

Matt. 15:18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart, and they defile a man.

Matt. 15:19 For out of the heart proceed 1evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.

1Genesis 6:5 And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

1Genesis 8:21 And the LORD smelled a sweet aroma. And the LORD said in His heart, “I will not again curse the ground for man's sake; although the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again destroy every living thing as I have done.”

1Mark 7:21,22 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:

Matt. 15:20 These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashed hands defiles not a man.”

A Gentile Woman With Great Faith

Parallel: Mark 7:24-30

Matt. 15:21 Then Jesus went from there, and departed to the coasts.

Matt. 15:22 And, behold, a 1woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried to Him, saying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, You son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil,”

1Mark 7:24-26 And from there He arose, and went to the borders of Tyre and Sidon. And entered into a house, and did not want anyone to know it, but He could not be hidden. For a certain woman, whose young daughter had an unclean spirit heard about Him, and came and fell at His feet. The woman was a Greek, a Syro-Phoenician by nation; and she besought Him to cast the devil out of her daughter.

Matt. 15:23 But He answered her not a word. And His disciples came and besought Him, saying, “Send her away; for she cries after us.”

Matt. 15:24 But He answered and said, “I was not sent but to the lost sheep of the 1house of Israel.”

1Romans 15:8,9 Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister to the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers, and that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy; as it is written, “For this cause I will confess you among the Gentiles, and sing to Your name.”

Matt. 15:25 Then she came and 1worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, help me!”

1Mark 7:25 For a certain woman, whose young daughter had an unclean spirit heard about Him, and came and fell at His feet.

Matt. 15:26 But He answered and said, “It is not right to take the children’s bread, and cast it to 1dogs.”

1Matthew 10:5,6 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, “Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter into any city of the Samaritans. But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”

1Ephesians 2:12 That at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.

Matt. 15:27 And she said, “Truth, Lord, yet the dogs eat of the 1crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.”

1Luke 18:13,14 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes to heaven, but beat on his breast, saying, “God be merciful to me a sinner.” I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be abased, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.

Matt. 15:28 Then Jesus answered and said to her, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you even as you will. And her 1daughter was made whole from that very hour.

1Mark 7:29 And he said to her, “For this saying go your way; the devil has gone out of your daughter.”

Multitudes Seek Healing

Parallel: Luke 6:17-19

Matt. 15:29 And Jesus departed from there, and came near to the Sea of Galilee; and went up on a mountain, and sat down there.

Matt. 15:30 And great multitudes came to Him, having with them those who were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus’ feet, and He healed them.

Matt. 15:31 So much that the multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb speak, the maimed made whole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see. And they glorified the God of Israel.

Feeding of Four Thousand

Parallel: Mark 8:1-10

Matt. 15:32 Then Jesus called His disciples to Him, and said, “I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now continued with Me three days, and have 1nothing to eat, and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint on the way.”

1Mark 8:1 In those days the multitude being very great, and having nothing to eat, Jesus called His disciples to Him, and said to them,

1Mark 8:3  “And if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint on the way; for some of them came from far.”

Matt. 15:33 And His disciples said to Him, “Where could we get so much 1bread in the wilderness, as to fill so great a multitude?”

1Mark 8:4 And His disciples answered Him, “From where can a man satisfy these men with bread here in the wilderness?”

Matt. 15:34 And Jesus said to them, “How many loaves do you have?” And they said, “Seven, and a few little fish.”

Matt. 15:35 And He commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground.

Matt. 15:36 And He took the seven loaves and the 1fish, and gave thanks, and broke them, and gave to His disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.

1Mark 8:7 And they had a few small fish, and He blessed them, and commanded to set them also before them.

Matt. 15:37 And they all ate and were 1filled, and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets full.

1Matthew 14:14-21 And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and He healed their sick. And when it was evening, His disciples came to Him, saying, “This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves food.” But Jesus said to them, “They need not depart; you give them to eat.” And they say to Him, “We have here but five loaves, and two fish.” He said, “Bring them here to Me.” And He commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed, and broke, and gave the loaves to His disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. And they all ate, and were filled: and they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments. And those who had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children.

Matt. 15:38 And those who ate were four thousand men, besides women and children.

Matt. 15:39 And He sent away the multitude, and took a 1boat, and came to the coasts of Magdala.

1Mark 8:10 And immediately He entered into a boat with His disciples, and came to the region of Dalmanutha.