And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; but rather be afraid of Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell (Gehenna). Are not two little sparrows sold for a penny? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father’s leave (consent) and notice. But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, then; you are of more value than many sparrows.
Therefore, everyone who acknowledges Me before men and confesses Me out of a state of oneness with Me, I will also acknowledge him before My Father Who is in heaven and confess that I am abiding in him. But whoever denies and disowns Me before men, I also will deny and disown him before My Father Who is in heaven.
Do not think that I have come to bring peace upon the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to part asunder a man from his father, and a daughter from her mother, and a newly married wife from her mother-in-law—and a man’s foes will be they of his own household. He who loves and takes more pleasure in father or mother more than in Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves and takes more pleasure in son or daughter more than in Me is not worthy of Me; and he who does not take up his cross and follow Me, cleave steadfastly to Me, conforming wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying also, is not worthy of Me.
Whoever finds his lower life will lose the higher life, and whoever loses his lower life on My account will find the higher life.
He who receives and welcomes and accepts you receives and welcomes and accepts Me, and he who receives and welcomes and accepts Me receives and welcomes and accepts Him Who sent Me.
He who receives and welcomes and accepts a prophet because he is a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward, and he who receives and welcomes and accepts a righteous man because he is a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward.
And whoever gives to one of these little ones in rank or influence, even a cup of cold water because he is My disciple, surely I declare to you, he shall not lose his reward.
The ways of mankind are insane, troublesome, heavy loads imposed on each one of us. Indeed! This world is ridden with insanity.
