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And there were Matthew, Thomas, and James, son of Alphaeus. There were also Simon who was called the Zealot
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and Judas, son of James. Judas Iscariot was one of them too. He was the one who would later hand Jesus over to his enemies.
Jesus Gives Blessings and Warnings
17 Jesus went down the mountain with them and stood on a level place. A large crowd of his disciples was there. A large number of other people were there too. They came from all over Judea, including Jerusalem. They also came from the coast of Tyre and Sidon.
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They had all come to hear Jesus and to be healed of their sicknesses. People who were troubled by evil spirits were made well.
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Everyone tried to touch Jesus. Power was coming from him and healing them all.
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Jesus looked at his disciples. He said to them, "Blessed are you who are needy. God's kingdom belongs to you.
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Blessed are you who are hungry now. You will be satisfied. Blessed are you who are sad now. You will laugh.
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Blessed are you when people hate you, when they have nothing to do with you and say bad things about you, and when they treat your name as something evil.
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"Their people treated the prophets the same way long ago. When these things happen to you, be glad and jump for joy. You will receive many blessings in heaven.
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"But how terrible it will be for you who are rich! You have already had your easy life.
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How terrible for you who are well fed now! You will go hungry. How terrible for you who laugh now! You will cry and be sad.