1. Many thousands of people had gathered. There were so many people that they were stepping on each other. Before Jesus spoke to them, he said to his followers, “Be careful of the yeast of the Pharisees. They are hypocrites.
2. Everything that is hidden will be shown. Everything that is secret will be made known.
3. The things you say in the dark will be told in the light. The things you have whispered in an inner 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. People 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 him who has the power to kill you and also to throw you into hell. Yes, he is the One you should fear.
6. “When five sparrows are sold, they 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 sparrows.
8. “I tell you, if anyone stands before others and says that he believes in me, then I will say that he belongs to me. I will say this before the angels of God.
9. But if anyone stands before others and says he does not believe in me, then I will say that he does not belong to me. I will say this before the angels of God.
10. “If a person says something against the Son of Man, he can be forgiven. But a person who says bad things 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 how to defend yourself or what to say.
12. At that time the Holy Spirit will teach you what you must say.”
13. One of the men in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide with me the property our father left us.”