1. Many thousands of people came together. There were so many people that they were stepping on each other. Before Jesus spoke to the people, he said to his followers, “Be careful of the yeast of the Pharisees. I mean that they are hypocrites.
2. Everything that is hidden will be shown, and everything that is secret will be made known.
3. What you say in the dark will be told in the light. And what you whisper in a private room will be shouted from the top of the house.”
4. Then Jesus said to the people, “I tell you, my friends, don’t be afraid of people. They can kill the body, but after that they can do nothing more to hurt you.
5. I will show you the one to fear. You should fear God, who has the power to kill you and also to throw you into hell. Yes, he is the one you should fear.
6. “When birds are sold, five small birds cost only two pennies. But God does not forget any of them.
7. Yes, God even knows how many hairs you have on your head. Don’t be afraid. You are worth much more than many birds.
8. “I tell you, if you stand before others and are willing to say you believe in me, then I will say that you belong to me. I will say this in the presence of God’s angels.
9. But if you stand before others and say you do not believe in me, then I will say that you do not belong to me. I will say this in the presence of God’s angels.
10. “Whoever says something against the Son of Man can be forgiven. But whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.
11. “When men bring you into the synagogues before the leaders and other important men, don’t worry about what you will say.