related scripture readings matthew

[Talking about his second coming, Jesus continued,] "I say to you what I say to everyone: Watch for [the Son of Man]!" —Mark 13:37 NLT Key Thought As Jesus tells this story about his second coming (Mark 13:34-36), he is in effect saying, "Watch for my return!" Throughout his ministry, he...

[Jesus continued,] "Now learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branches bud and its leaves begin to sprout, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see all these things taking place, you can know that [the Son of Man's] return is very near, right at the door." —Mark 13:28-29...

[Jesus continued,] "For the Good News must first be preached to all nations." —Mark 13:10 NLT Key Thought Before the return of Jesus, the Gospel — the Good News about Jesus and his Kingdom — will be preached to every nation. We can do that better today than ever before. So let's make sure we...

[Jesus continued,] "I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you've received it, it will be yours. But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too." —Mark 11:24-26 NLT Key Thought...

... Then Jesus told [James and John], "You will indeed drink from my bitter cup and be baptized with my baptism of suffering. But I have no right to say who will sit on my right or my left. God has prepared those places for the ones he has chosen." —Mark 10:39-40 NLT Key Thought God the...

[Jesus continued,] "But many who are the greatest now will be least important [in the world to come], and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then." —Mark 10:31 NLT Key Thought God evaluates people differently than most earthly judges, critics, and cultures do. Those who...

[Jesus said,] "If anyone gives you even a cup of water because you belong to the Messiah, I tell you the truth, that person will surely be rewarded." —Mark 9:41 NLT Key Thought The kindness Jesus expects and rewards in his followers is very simple. God doesn't forget kindness that is...

But the disciples had forgotten to bring any food. They had only one loaf of bread with them in the boat. As they were crossing the lake, Jesus warned them, "Watch out! Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and of Herod." —Mark 8:14-15 NLT Key Thought Don't you just love the way Jesus helps...