17. Jesus and the apostles came down from the mountain. Jesus stood on level ground where there was a large group of his followers. Also, there were many people from all around Judea, Jerusalem, and the seacoast cities of Tyre and Sidon.
18. They all came to hear Jesus teach and to be healed of their sicknesses. He healed those who were troubled by evil spirits.
19. All the people were trying to touch Jesus, because power was coming from him and healing them all!
20. Jesus looked at his followers and said,“Poor people, you are happy,because God’s kingdom belongs to you.
21. You people who are now hungry are happy,because you will be satisfied.You people who are now crying are happy,because you will laugh with joy.
22. “You are happy when people hate you and are cruel to you. You are happy when they say that you are evil because you belong to the Son of Man.
23. At that time be full of joy, because you have a great reward in heaven. Their fathers were cruel to the prophets in the same way these people are cruel to you.
24. “But how terrible it will be for you who are rich,because you have had your easy life.
25. How terrible it will be for you who are full now,because you will be hungry.How terrible it will be for you who are laughing now,because you will be sad and cry.
26. “How terrible when all people say only good things about you. Their fathers always said good things about the false prophets.
27. “I say to you who are listening to me, love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you.
28. Ask God to bless those who say bad things to you. Pray for those who are cruel to you.
29. If anyone slaps you on one cheek, let him slap the other cheek too. If someone takes your coat, do not stop him from taking your shirt.
30. Give to everyone who asks you. When a person takes something that is yours, don’t ask for it back.
31. Do for other people what you want them to do for you.
32. If you love only those who love you, should you get some special praise for doing that? No! Even sinners love the people who love them!
33. If you do good only to those who do good to you, should you get some special praise for doing that? No! Even sinners do that!